Kerala High Court Strikes Down State Law on Mineral Rights

The Kerala High Court has declared the Kerala Vesting of Minerals Act, 2021, unconstitutional. The law had transferred all mineral rights in the Malabar region to the state government. Landowners in the area challenged the legislation, arguing that it violated their property rights and that the state legislature lacked the authority to enact such a law. The court agreed, ruling that the state government does not have the power to legislate on mineral rights, which falls under the central government's jurisdiction. This decision nullifies the state's attempt to control mineral resources in the Malabar region. The Act was passed in 2021 with the aim of streamlining mineral extraction and ensuring state control over resources. However, the court's ruling emphasizes the federal structure of India, where certain powers are reserved for the central government. The judgment has been welcomed by landowners and legal experts who see it as a reaffirmation of property rights and constitutional limits. The state government has not yet announced its next steps, which may include an appeal to the Supreme Court. The case highlights ongoing tensions between state and central authorities over resource management in India.