REFORMING THE OFFSHORE AREAS MINERALS (DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2002: A LEGAL ANALYSIS BY - ALEN MATHEW
AUTHORED BY - ALEN MATHEW
School of law
Christ University
School of law
Christ University
Abstract:
This legal analysis delves into the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development
and Regulation) Act of 2002, exposing its inherent flaws and advocating for
crucial reforms. Concerns surrounding the Act's discretionary powers vested in
the Central Government come to the forefront, where transparency, impartiality,
and the susceptibility to corruption raise red flags. Simultaneously, the Act's
inadequacies in addressing environmental safeguards and enforcement mechanisms
pose significant challenges in ensuring responsible offshore mining. Moreover,
the Act's antiquated provisions hinder its capacity to adapt to technological
advancements and adopt international best practices.
In response to these shortcomings, a comprehensive set of reforms is
proposed. The first recommendation focuses on Transparency and Accountability.
It calls for the implementation of a transparent auction-based system, as
outlined in the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment
Bill, 2023. This reform intends to quell concerns about potential corruption
and favoritism by fostering fairness and accountability in the allocation of
operating rights, based on merit and market-driven principles.
The second major reform centers on Environmental Safeguards. While
environmental impact assessments are not explicitly mentioned in the Act, their
importance is emphasized. This recommendation also urges the implementation of
stricter environmental protection standards, aiming to protect the marine
environment and uphold principles of environmental sustainability. Lastly, the
analysis highlights the need for strengthening Enforcement mechanisms,
particularly by imposing substantial penalties for violations. The proposed
Amendment Bill seeks to elevate penalties to act as a more potent deterrent
against illegal activities, thereby enhancing compliance and ensuring the
integrity of the offshore mining sector. Additionally, modernization of the Act
is deemed indispensable, aligning it with technological advancements and
international best practices to encourage responsible and sustainable offshore
mineral development while meeting contemporary industry standards and global
sustainability objectives.
Keywords: OAM Act, offshore mining, legal reform, transparency,
accountability, environmental safeguards, enforcement, modernization,
sustainable development.
1. Introduction
The governance of offshore mining activities holds profound implications
for a nation's economic prosperity, environmental well-being, and regulatory
integrity. In this context, the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Act, 2002, stands as a critical piece of legislation in India,
designed to regulate mineral resource development in various maritime zones,
including territorial waters, continental shelf, exclusive economic zones, and
other maritime areas. However, as time has passed, this legislative framework
has come under scrutiny for its intrinsic shortcomings and limitations. This
legal analysis embarks on a journey to delve deep into these inherent flaws
and, more importantly, to advocate for essential reforms that can rectify these
deficiencies, enabling the offshore mining sector in India to operate in a
manner that aligns with contemporary principles of governance, environmental
responsibility, and technological advancement.
At the core of the issues plaguing the Offshore Areas Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Act, 2002,[1] are concerns regarding the discretionary powers conferred upon the
Central Government. These discretionary powers for allocating operating rights
in offshore areas have created an environment ripe for arbitrary
decision-making, often at the expense of transparency, fairness, and
impartiality. The lack of standardized procedures and well-defined rules has
exposed the sector to the insidious risks of corruption and favouritism,
thereby undermining the integrity and trustworthiness of offshore mining
activities. As we navigate through this analysis, it becomes evident that the
need for reforms in this area is paramount to foster transparency and
accountability.
In addition to transparency and accountability, environmental safeguards
represent another pivotal facet of this examination. The fragile marine
environment in offshore mining zones is highly vulnerable to the impact of
mining activities. While the Act acknowledges this vulnerability, it lacks
explicit provisions for comprehensive environmental impact assessments. This
oversight has far-reaching consequences for the marine ecosystem and the safety
of individuals engaged in offshore mining. Our analysis will underscore the
importance of rectifying this shortcoming and adopting stringent environmental
protection standards to align with principles of sustainability and
conservation.
Enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations are essential
components of any effective regulatory framework. In the case of the Offshore
Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, the penalties prescribed
for violations have faced criticism for being relatively weak. The efficacy of
enforcement systems is compromised when penalties fail to act as sufficient
deterrents. This paper delves into the challenges posed by weak penalties and
suggests remedies to ensure that the Act can effectively uphold its integrity
and purpose. Lastly, modernization is another pivotal aspect addressed in this
analysis[2] The Act was introduced in 2002, a time when offshore mining technology
was less advanced than it is today. Modernizing the legal framework is
essential to accommodate contemporary industry standards, harness the full
potential of offshore mineral resources, and ensure responsible and sustainable
exploitation. Learning from international best practices plays a critical role
in shaping these reforms.
In the subsequent sections, we will comprehensively explore these key
dimensions of the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act,
analyze proposed reforms, and present recommendations for a regulatory
framework that stands at the forefront of good governance and responsible
resource management.[3]
2. Lack of Transparency and Accountability
2.1 Discretionary Powers and Potential for Corruption
2.1.1 Analysis of the Discretionary Powers of the Central Government
The original Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act,
2002, vested significant discretionary powers in the Central Government for
allocating operating rights in offshore areas. This discretionary authority is
rooted in the Act itself.
Section 4 - Grant of Operating Rights: Section 4 of the Act provides the
Central Government with the power to grant operating rights to explore and
exploit mineral resources in offshore areas.[4] However, the Act does not lay out specific criteria, mechanisms, or
standardized procedures for the allocation of these rights. This absence of
clear guidelines gives the Central Government broad discretionary powers in
determining how these rights are awarded. The lack of transparency and
standardized procedures under Section 4 creates room for arbitrary
decision-making, which can raise concerns about the impartiality and fairness
of the allocation process.
2.1.2 Risk of Corruption and Favoritism
The discretionary powers granted by the original Offshore Areas Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, also carried the risk of corruption and
favoritism, which is implicit in the Act's provisions.
Section 4 - Grant of Operating Rights: As mentioned earlier, Section 4
empowers the Central Government to grant operating rights for offshore mining
activities. The absence of clear and standardized criteria can create an
environment conducive to malpractices. This potential risk arises from the
discretion available to the Central Government, which could lead to the
arbitrary allocation of operating rights. The lack of transparency and
objective procedures can provide opportunities for favoritism and corruption,
as the decision-making process may not be based on merit and market-driven
principles.
The discretionary nature of the Act's provisions, particularly in the
absence of detailed allocation criteria and transparency, makes it essential to
address these issues to ensure that the allocation of operating rights is fair,
impartial, and accountable, with minimized potential for corruption and
favoritism. These concerns were a driving force behind the proposed amendments
to the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to introduce a
more transparent and accountable mechanism for license allocation.
2.2 Transparent Mechanisms for License Allocation
2.2.1 The Need for an Independent Auction System
Recognizing the shortcomings of the original legislation, the Offshore
Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 was introduced
to address these issues. This significant reform introduced an auction-based
system as the primary method for allocating operating rights in offshore areas.
By doing so, it aimed to rectify the lack of transparency and accountability,
promoting a fair and transparent mechanism for the allocation of these critical
rights.[5]
2.2.2 Development of Clear and Objective Criteria for License Allocation
The amendment bill brought about notable changes by establishing two
types of operating rights for the private sector: production lease and
composite license, both to be allocated through competitive bidding. This shift
towards clear and objective criteria for license allocation is expected to
substantially mitigate the risks of corruption and favoritism that were
prevalent under the earlier regime. It sets the stage for a more equitable and
transparent offshore mining sector, where opportunities are allocated based on
merit and market-driven principles.
In conclusion, the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation)
Act, 2002, and its subsequent reforms, particularly the 2023 Amendment Bill,[6] represent a crucial evolution in the governance of offshore mining
activities. The reforms acknowledge the previous issues of discretion and the
associated potential for corruption, aiming to instill fairness, transparency,
and accountability by introducing competitive auctions and objective criteria
for license allocation. These changes herald a new era for the offshore mining
sector, aligning it with contemporary principles of good governance and
responsible resource management.
3. Weak Environmental Safeguards
The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, is
aimed at the development and regulation of mineral resources in various
maritime zones of India, including the territorial waters, continental shelf,
exclusive economic zone, and other maritime areas.[7] Here is how the Act addresses environmental protections and safeguards:
3.1 The Fragile Marine Environment
3.1.1 Vulnerability of the Marine Environment to Mining Activities
The Act recognises that mining operations pose a threat to the marine
environment. It has clauses that place a strong emphasis on protecting people
and property as well as preventing and controlling pollution. This
understanding is necessary to guarantee that mining operations in offshore
regions are carried out in a way that reduces damage to the marine environment
and protects the safety of those engaged in these activities.
3.2 Enhancing Environmental Protections
3.2.1 Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments
Although environmental impact assessments are not specifically mentioned
in the Act, it does provide the Central Government the authority to permit surveys,
studies, and scientific inquiries in regions covered by operating rights.
According to this clause, extensive environmental impact assessments might be
carried out in conjunction with research and scientific studies that the
Central Government has approved. To guarantee the environmental protection of
offshore regions, the contents of these evaluations would probably be included
in detail in the rules and regulations created under the Act or in other
pertinent laws.
3.2.2 Stricter Standards for Environmental Protection
The Act gives the administering authority and the Central Government the
power to give orders. These directives might entail the implementation of more
stringent environmental protection guidelines, guaranteeing that mining
activities in offshore regions are carried out in a way that aligns with the
principles of environmental sustainability. The Act also specifies the Central
Government's responsibilities for mineral development and conservation, which
suggests a dedication to sustainable resource management that includes
environmental protection.
It's important to remember that while the Offshore Areas Mineral
(Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 offers a broad framework for the
regulation of offshore mineral development, the Offshore Areas Mineral
Concession Rules, 2006,[8] or other pertinent regulations are likely to contain more specific and
in-depth provisions related to environmental protections and standards. These
regulations offer specific guidance on how mining activities in offshore areas
should be carried out while ensuring environmental protection.
4. Ineffective Enforcement
4.1 The Current State of Enforcement
4.1.1 Weak Penalties for Violations
Penalties for breaking the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and
Regulation) Act, 2002 are outlined in the act, yet several stakeholders have
voiced doubts about how severe the penalties are. The Act makes a distinction
between criminal and civil punishments on the bases of type of offence.
Civil sanctions: Any person or organisation granted a licence or
operating rights under this Act, and who disregards any of the conditions laid
down in this Law, shall be subject to civil penalties. A financial penalty of
between 5 and 1 crore rupees is usually imposed on such civil fines.[9]
Criminal penalties: Penalties, apart from civil sanctions, are provided
for in the Act as regards acts which have not been authorised or licensed. It
is stated in the law that it is forbidden to carry out mining operations which
are not authorised. The offender could be fined up to INR 50,000, a maximum
term of imprisonment of 5 years or both.[10]
The Difficulties of Weak Penalties
Deterrence: The main intention behind fines is to dissuade people and
organisations from breaking the Act. But there's a worry that the sanctions
imposed could not be strong enough to discourage unlawful offshore mining,
particularly in light of the possible cash rewards. This can promote disdain
for the Act.
Ineffectiveness: The efficacy of enforcement systems may be compromised by
insufficient fines. Some entities would be more willing to accept the chance of
breaking the Act if the financial advantages of unlawful mining considerably
outweigh the possible sanctions, which could result in non-compliance and
possibly illegal mining activities.
Possible Remedies and Modifications:
The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 has
been proposed for amendment in order to increase compliance with the Act and
address the issue of insufficient sanctions.[11] One such proposed change calls for stiffer fines for infractions,
especially when it comes to engaging in activities without a licence or permit.
The purpose of increasing the penalty is to make participating in unlawful
activity more deterrent and to promote increased adherence to the Act's
requirements.
Enforcing stricter penalties for infractions is essential to preserving
the integrity of the offshore mining industry, as well as to encourage
environmental preservation and responsible handling of offshore mineral resources.
Adequate sanctions ought to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between
discouraging transgressions and promoting adherence to the legislation.
4.1.2 Encouraging Disregard for the Act
The Act may be disregarded because of the comparatively light penalties
for infractions, especially when it comes to carrying out operations without
the required authorization or licence. This can be particularly the case if the
possible financial benefits of engaging in illicit activity greatly exceed the
dangers and penalties of breaking the law. Because of this, there's a worry
that certain organisations would be encouraged to participate in illegal
activity, which would undermine the Act's goals and jeopardise the operational
and environmental integrity of the offshore mining industry.
4.2 Strengthening Enforcement Mechanisms
4.2.1 Enhanced Monitoring and Inspection
While the Act itself does not explicitly mention monitoring and
inspection mechanisms, it empowers the Central Government to authorize survey,
research, and scientific investigations in areas covered under operating
rights. This provision could potentially be utilized to implement enhanced
monitoring and inspection mechanisms. By conducting regular surveys and
scientific investigations, authorities can more effectively monitor compliance
with the Act's provisions, assess the impact of mining activities on the marine
environment, and identify potential violations or irregularities.
4.2.2 Imposing Harsher Penalties
In response to concerns regarding the effectiveness of penalties, there
have been proposals to amend the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and
Regulation) Act, 2002, by increasing the penalties for violations. For example,
a proposed amendment suggests increasing the fine for conducting any activity
without a permit or license to a range of five lakh rupees to Rs 10 lakh. This
potential increase in penalties aims to act as a stronger deterrent against
illegal activities and encourage greater compliance with the Act and its
regulations. Such amendments could address the issue of weak penalties and
promote a more robust enforcement framework.
5. Outdated Provisions
5.1 Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements
5.1.1 The Importance of Modernizing the Legal Framework
The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, was
enacted in 2001 but has not seen any significant mining activity in the
offshore areas to date. One potential reason for this could be the outdated
provisions in the Act that do not align with the rapid technological
advancements in the mining sector. Modernizing the legal framework is crucial
to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in regulating offshore mineral
development and reflects current practices and technologies in the industry.[12]
The Act was introduced at a time when offshore mining technology and
practices were not as advanced as they are today. The absence of mining
activity may stem from the need to adapt the Act to incorporate modern
exploration and extraction techniques, environmental safeguards, and safety
protocols that have since evolved in the industry. By keeping the legal
framework up to date, India can harness the full potential of its offshore
mineral resources while ensuring responsible and sustainable exploitation.[13]
5.2 Learning from International Best Practices
5.2.1 Comparative Analysis of Regulatory Regimes in Other Countries
While the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002,
does not explicitly mention international best practices, it provides a
comprehensive framework for the development and regulation of mineral resources
in various maritime zones of India, including territorial waters, continental
shelf, exclusive economic zones, and other maritime areas. The Act includes
provisions for safety, pollution prevention and control, and protection of the
marine environment.
However, to further enhance the Act's effectiveness and align it with
international best practices, a comparative analysis of regulatory regimes in
other countries can be invaluable. This analysis can help identify areas where
the Act can be improved, especially in terms of environmental protection,
enforcement mechanisms, and keeping up with technological advancements.
Proposed amendments to the Act also demonstrate a commitment to learning
from international experiences. For example, the proposed amendment empowers
the Central Government to frame rules for the conservation, systematic
development, and environmental protection related to offshore mining. This
reflects a move towards adopting measures in line with international best
practices, ensuring responsible resource management and environmental
protection. Additionally, the establishment of the Offshore Areas Mineral
Trust, as outlined in the proposed changes, guarantees funds for exploration,
disaster relief, and the welfare of affected individuals, aligning with
international practices to mitigate the potential negative impacts of offshore
mining activities.
Incorporating international best practices and modernizing the legal
framework are steps in the right direction to ensure that India's offshore
mining sector operates in accordance with contemporary industry standards and
global sustainability objectives.
6. Recommendations for Reform
Here is an expanded overview of the key aspects of the Offshore Areas
Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, along with additional
information:
6.1 Transparency and Accountability
6.1.1 Establishing Transparent Mechanisms for License Allocation
The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002,
provides the framework for the allocation of operating rights for mining in
offshore areas.[14] However, this Act has faced criticism for its lack of transparency in
the allocation of these operating rights. This opacity can lead to concerns
regarding the impartiality and fairness of the allocation process.
6.1.2 Reducing the Potential for Corruption
To address the transparency issue and reduce the potential for
corruption, the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment
Bill, 2023, was introduced. The Amendment Bill seeks to introduce a transparent
auction-based mechanism to allocate operating rights in offshore areas. This
significant reform aims to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability
in the allocation process. By shifting to an auction-based system, the
Amendment Bill is expected to minimize the risks of favoritism and corruption,
ensuring that opportunities are awarded based on merit and market-driven
principles.
6.2 Environmental Safeguards
6.2.1 Implementing Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments
Although the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act,
2002, does not explicitly mention environmental impact assessments, it empowers
the Central Government to authorize survey, research, and scientific
investigations in areas covered under operating rights. This provision implies
that comprehensive environmental impact assessments may be conducted as part of
the scientific investigations authorized by the Central Government. These
assessments are crucial for evaluating and mitigating the environmental impact
of offshore mining activities.
6.2.2 Setting Stringent Environmental Protection Standards
The Act includes provisions for the safety of persons and property, as
well as the prevention and control of pollution and protection of the marine
environment. These provisions underscore the importance of protecting the
marine ecosystem and ensuring the safety of individuals involved in offshore
mining. The Amendment Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to frame
rules for conservation, systematic development, and environmental protection
related to offshore mining.[15] This signifies a commitment to establishing stringent environmental
protection standards to safeguard the marine environment and promote
responsible resource management.
6.3 Enforcement
6.3.1 Strengthening Enforcement Mechanisms
The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002,
provides for the enforcement of its provisions, including the imposition of
penalties for violations.[16] Enforcement is crucial for maintaining compliance with the Act and
deterring unlawful activities. The Amendment Bill aims to strengthen
enforcement mechanisms by enhancing penalties for illegal mining and
introducing a timeline for production commencement. These measures are intended
to improve compliance and uphold the integrity of the offshore mining sector.
6.3.2 Imposing Substantial Penalties for Violations
The Act specifies penalties for violations, including imprisonment and
fines. The proposed Amendment Bill seeks to increase these penalties to serve
as a more significant deterrent against illegal activities. By imposing
substantial penalties, the Amendment Bill aims to encourage compliance with the
Act and discourage violations.
6.4 Modernization
6.4.1 Updating the OAM Act to Reflect Technological Advancements
The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, came
into effect in 2010 but has not seen any mining activity in the offshore areas
to date.[17] This may be attributed to the Act's provisions not keeping pace with
technological advancements in the mining sector. The proposed Amendment Bill
seeks to modernize the Act to reflect these technological advancements and to
stimulate participation in the offshore mining sector. This modernization is
essential to harness the full potential of offshore mineral resources and
promote responsible and sustainable exploitation.
6.4.2 Learning from International Best Practices
International best practices, such as those proposed by the International
Seabed Authority (ISA) and its member nations for deep-sea mining regulations,
provide valuable insights for improving the Act. The ISA regulations aim to
introduce a transparent auction mechanism for allocating operating rights,
similar to the proposed amendments to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development
and Regulation) Act.[18] Learning from international experiences is essential for aligning the
Act with contemporary industry standards and global sustainability objectives.
7. Conclusion
It is abundantly evident from our
examination of the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act,
2002 and the urgent need for reforms that a thorough revision of the laws
governing offshore mining operations in India is not only desirable but also
necessary. Although the Act's intentions are clearly important, a number of
flaws have made it less effective in a world that is changing. We have
identified important areas that require reform through this analysis, and we
have put forth recommendations that attempt to fully address these issues with
the goal of creating a strong, transparent, and sustainable offshore mining
industry that complies with modern governance principles and international
standards.
Above all, one of the main concerns
has been the question of the Central Government's discretionary powers. Due to
the Act's lack of transparency and standardised processes, corruption and
partiality were able to flourish and decision-making became arbitrary. A major
step in the direction of accountability and transparency has been taken with
the introduction of the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation)
Amendment Bill, 2023, which features an auction-based system. By ensuring that
operating rights are distributed in accordance with market-driven principles
and merit, this reform aims to reduce the risks that come with arbitrary
discretion.
Environmental safeguards have been
another focal point of this analysis. Offshore mining's potential to impact the
fragile marine environment cannot be understated. Comprehensive environmental
impact assessments and stringent environmental protection standards are crucial
to mitigate these risks. The proposed reforms are designed to ensure that
offshore mining activities are conducted with due consideration for the
environment, aligning with principles of sustainability and conservation.
Enforcement mechanisms, too, have
come under scrutiny, with concerns over weak penalties for violations. An
effective regulatory framework demands robust enforcement to maintain
compliance and uphold integrity. The proposed amendments to the Act aim to
introduce substantial penalties to serve as a potent deterrent against illegal
activities, fostering compliance and regulatory integrity.
Lastly, the imperative of
modernization and learning from international best practices should not be
underestimated. The Act, enacted in 2002, was framed in a different
technological era. It is vital that the regulatory framework aligns with
contemporary industry standards, harnessing the full potential of offshore
mineral resources while adhering to global sustainability objectives.
In conclusion, the Offshore Areas
Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, is at a pivotal juncture. The
proposed reforms, as outlined in the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, present a transformative opportunity to
instill transparency, accountability, and sustainability in India's offshore
mining sector. These reforms are not just about addressing the limitations of
the present; they are about shaping a future where India's offshore mineral
resources are developed responsibly, in harmony with the environment, and in
compliance with contemporary governance principles. It is our hope that these
recommendations will serve as a foundation for legislative change, ensuring
that India's offshore mining sector thrives with integrity and contributes to
the nation's sustainable growth.
[1]The Offshore Areas
Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002,), No. 17, Acts of Parliament,
2003 (IN)
[2] Tan, Kian L., et al. "A Survey of Sentiment Analysis:
Approaches, Datasets, and Future Research." Applied Sciences, 2023, https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074550.
[3] Offshore Areas
Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, §), No. 102, Acts of
Parliament, 2023 (IN)
[4] The Offshore Areas
Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002,), § (section 4), No. 17, Acts
of Parliament, 2003 (IN)
[5] Offshore Areas
Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, §), No. 102, Acts of
Parliament, 2023 (IN)
[6] id
[7] . "Auction Of 60 Offshore Mineral Blocks In First
Phase: Government." India Business Insight, vol. , no. , 2017, p. n/a.
[8] Offshore Areas
Mineral Concession Rules, 2006, § ,No. G.S.R. 691 (E), Acts of Parliament, 2006
(IN)
[9] The Offshore Areas
Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002,), § (Chapter V), No. 17, Acts
of Parliament, 2003 (IN)
[10] Id
[11] . "India : Parliament Passes the Offshore Areas
Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023." MENA Report,
vol. , no. , 2023, p. .
[12] Drugs and Cosmetics Act - ClinSkill.
https://www.clinskill.com/docs/drugs-and-cosmetics-act/
[13] Indian Economic Service. https://ies.gov.in/publications-articles.php
[14] . "India : Parliament Passes the Offshore Areas
Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023." MENA Report,
vol. , no. , 2023, p. .
[15] EDITOR4, “OFFSHORE
AREAS MINERAL (DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023”, TaxGuru
(Accessed on: 7-11-2023, 20:50),
[16] . "India : Parliament Passes the Offshore Areas
Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023." MENA Report,
vol. , no. , 2023, p. .
[17] Id