Odisha High Court Quashes Sub‑Collector’s Order on Jagannath Quarry Lease

The Odisha High Court has set aside the Sub‑Collector of Khordha’s order cancelling the lease of the Jagannath stone quarry, ruling that the official acted beyond his jurisdiction.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Chittaranjan Dash clarified that under the amended Odisha Minor Mineral Concession (OMMC) Rules of 2022, only Mining Officers have the authority to cancel quarry leases.

The Sub‑Collector had cancelled the lease on November 29, 2025, prompting the petitioner to challenge the decision.

Senior advocate Prafulla Kumar Rath argued that the Sub‑Collector’s action was invalid since the 2022 amendment transferred such powers exclusively to Mining Officers.

The court directed the Khordha Mining Officer to independently review the case records and issue a fresh decision within three weeks, ensuring the applicant is duly informed.

This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to updated legal frameworks and clarifies the chain of authority in minor mineral lease cancellations.