- 1 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010102392025 NC: 2026:KHC:49257-DB WP No. 4672 of 2025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 10TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2026 PRESENT THE HON'BLE MR. VIBHU BAKHRU, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE K.S. HEMALEKHA WRIT PETITION NO.4672 OF 2025 (GM-MM_S) BETWEEN: P. KUMARASWAMY AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS, AGRICULTURIST R/O NANDIHALLI VILLAGE, SANDUR TALUKA, BALLARI DISTRICT-583101. …PETITIONER (BY SRI. MRINAL KUTTAPPA, ADVOCATE FOR SRI. SOMANNA K.P., ADVOCATE) AND: GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF MINES & GEOLOGY, KHANIJA BHAVAN, RACE COURSE ROAD, BANGALORE-560001. …RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NILOUFER AKBAR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE AN APPROPRIATE WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ENDORSEMENT NO.DMG/LS/CR NO.1118/2021/2023-24 19.02.2024 VIDE ANNEXURE- A ISSUED BY THE RESPONDENT AND ETC. Digitally signed by MAHALAKSHMI B M Location: High Court of Karnataka - 2 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010102392025 NC: 2026:KHC:49257-DB WP No. 4672 of 2025 THIS PETITION, COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER: CORAM: HON'BLE MR. VIBHU BAKHRU, CHIEF JUSTICE and HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE K.S. HEMALEKHA ORAL ORDER (PER: HON'BLE MR. VIBHU BAKHRU, CHIEF JUSTICE) 1. The petitioner has filed the present petition, inter alia, impugning the endorsement dated 19.02.2024 issued by the respondent, whereby the petitioner's representation seeking release and handing over of the iron ore seized from the petitioner was rejected. 2. The concerned authorities have stated that the said iron ore was not extracted in accordance with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 [MMDR Act] from the mining lease area covered by the mining lease granted under the MMDR Act. 3. The petitioner seeks to challenge the said endorsement, and contends that he is entitled to possession of the iron ore in question. - 3 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010102392025 NC: 2026:KHC:49257-DB WP No. 4672 of 2025 4. The learned Additional Government Advocate submits that the iron ore claimed by the petitioner has already been auctioned and sold to a third party for consideration of `7,99,19,614/-. 5. In view of the above, the prayer made by the petitioner for release of minerals, which are in custody of respondent does not survive for consideration. 6. The petition is disposed of, with liberty to the petitioner to avail such remedies albeit in accordance with law, if aggrieved by the auction of the said iron ore. Sd/- (VIBHU BAKHRU) CHIEF JUSTICE Sd/- (K.S. HEMALEKHA) JUDGE MBM List No.: 2 Sl No.: 8