The Ministry of Mines on July 30, 2026, notified the Offshore Areas Mineral Adjudication of Penalties Rules, 2026.
The following has been stated: -
•The Offshore Areas Mineral Adjudication of Penalties Rules, 2026 establish the procedure for adjudication of penalties under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, including filing of complaints, conduct of inquiries, and imposition of civil penalties for contraventions.
•The rules prescribe timelines, notice procedures, evidence requirements, and factors such as the nature, duration, frequency, and impact of violations to determine the quantum of penalty.
•They also provide a summary disposal mechanism, allowing offenders to rectify specified contraventions and pay the minimum prescribed penalty to avoid or close proceedings, subject to certain conditions.
•The rules enable transfer of complaints to the competent adjudicating authority where required and lay down a structured appellate process, including appeal timelines, pre-deposit requirements, hearing procedures, and disposal of appeals.
•Overall, the rules aim to ensure a transparent, time-bound, and efficient framework for enforcement and adjudication of offshore mineral regulatory violations.
These rules shall come into force on August 01, 2026.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
[Notification No.: G.S.R. 686(E)]
