Mines and Minerals Adjudication of Penalties Rules, 2026

The Mines and Minerals Adjudication of Penalties Rules, 2026 establish the procedure for adjudicating certain contraventions and imposing civil penalties under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).

The Central Government notified the Rules through G.S.R. 682(E) dated 30 July 2026, and they came into force on 1 August 2026. The Rules were framed under Section 25D of the MMDR Act, which was introduced along with the new adjudication and appeal framework under the Jan Vishwas amendments.

The framework is particularly relevant for mining lease holders, mine operators, mining companies, mineral concession holders, compliance professionals, mining consultants, environmental consultants and legal professionals dealing with regulatory compliance under the MMDR Act and associated rules.

What are the Mines and Minerals Adjudication of Penalties Rules, 2026?

The Mines and Minerals Adjudication of Penalties Rules, 2026 prescribe the procedure for:

• Filing complaints for specified contraventions;
• Conducting adjudication proceedings;
• Issuing notices and conducting inquiries;
• Imposing civil penalties;
• Appointing adjudicating officers;
• Filing appeals against adjudication orders;
• Depositing the prescribed amount for an appeal;
• Conducting proceedings electronically;
• Dealing with continuing contraventions and penalties.

The Rules operate with the amended Sections 25A, 25B, 25C and 25D of the MMDR Act, 1957.

Summary of MM Adjudication of Penalties Rules, 2026

• Framing of Rules: This rule has been framed under Section 25D of the MMDR Act, 1957.

• Legislative Background: Sections 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D have been added by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act in the MMDR Act.

• Applicability: This Rule is for contravention under Section 25A.

• Scope of Section 25A: Section 25A states that whoever contravenes the provisions of the rules made thereunder & under the Act (except Rules made under Section 23C).

• Nature of Contraventions: Such contraventions are of the Rules related to mining plan, closure of mining plan, and submission of reports to IBM or other authority.

• Key Authorities Designated: Under the MM Adjudication Rules, 2026, there is one Complaint Filing Officer and one Adjudication Officer.

• Complaint Filing Officer: A Gazetted Officer authorised by the Central Govt. or the State Govt. may file a complaint in Form-I to the Adjudicating Officer.

• Adjudicating Officer Qualifications: Adjudicating Officer shall be appointed by Central Govt. not below the rank of Deputy Secretary to Govt. of India for holding enquiries and imposing penalties.

• Penalty Amounts & Daily Fines: Penalty may extend up to Rs. 50 Lakh, and when any person continues contravention even after the direction of Adjudicating Officer, an additional penalty of Rs. 50,000 per day will be imposed.

• State Level Adjudication: For the contraventions not covered under Sec. 25A(1), State Govt. shall appoint as many Adjudicating Officers not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the State Government.

• Appellate Authority: Appellate Authority is appointed by the Central Govt. not below the rank of Joint Sec. to GoI.

• Deposit Requirement for Appeal: For appeal, one has to deposit 10% of penalty amount imposed by Adjudicating Officer.

• Timeline for Disposal: An appeal shall be disposed within 60 days from the date of filing.