Congress-backed State govts rally to overturn new mining law in Supreme Court

The Congress-backed state governments are actively working to overturn the new Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, by taking their case to the Supreme Court. Alleging that the law infringes upon the States' rights, the party claims that the legislation diminishes the autonomy of the states. Currently, Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh are at the forefront of this challenge.

The Congress is also engaging in discussions with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha to involve the Jharkhand government in the legal battle.

The amendment Act, which was passed by Parliament on August 13, restricts the power of states to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. However, Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy clarified in a statement that the legislation does not intend to interfere with the autonomy or revenue rights of the states. The main objective of the amendment, according to Reddy, is to ensure uniform mineral rates across the country.

He emphasized that the central government aims to regulate major minerals like coal, limestone, iron ore, copper, and manganese, while states will retain control over 49 minor minerals.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara urged the central government to withdraw the amendment Act, expressing his concerns about its restrictive provisions. He wrote letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy regarding the matter. In Kerala, where the Congress recently formed the government, Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that the amendments to the Act contradict federal principles, and therefore, it will face strong opposition.