ISSUE:
Whether government, tribal, and forested lands in the scheduled areas can be leased to non-tribal persons or private companies for mining purposes in accordance with the constitutional provisions safeguarding tribal rights and interests?
Whether the mining leases granted by the State of Andhra Pradesh to non-tribal persons are void for violation of the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
Whether the mining leases violate the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Environment Protection Act, 1986?
RULE:
The word "person" in regulations should be given a broad interpretation to include both natural and artificial persons, including the State government, when it advances the protective purpose of tribal welfare legislation.
Constitutional principle of protection of tribal rights and prevention of their exploitation requires interpreting laws in favour of tribal interests.
Transfer of land includes not just sale but all forms of transfer including lease, mortgage, or other forms of alienation.
The doctrine of purposive interpretation - laws meant for tribal protection should be interpreted in a way that furthers their protective purpose rather than defeating it.