Coal India Ltd., competent to fix coal prices for the non-core sector: Coal India Ltd vs M/S Rahul Industries . And Ors

In the matter of Coal Ltd vs M/S Rahul Industries and Ors.. the Supreme Court on 12 September 2025 upheld the validity of the Interim Coal Policy notified on 15 December 2006, holding that Coal India Ltd., a public sector undertaking, was competent to fix coal prices for the non-core sector under the deregulated framework of the Colliery Control Order, 2000.

A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan dealt with the issue of smokeless fuel against a 20% price hike introduced under the Interim Coal Policy, the same being linked to non-core sectors against consumers in the core sector. The Court clarified that Ashoka Smokeless judgement struck down the e-auction system for lacking a viable pricing mechanism but did not reinstate prior price levels or prohibit interim pricing.

The issues lying before the Court comprised of firstly, whether Coal India Limited (CIL) had the legal authority to notify interim coal prices following the Supreme Court’s decision in Ashoka Smokeless. Secondly, whether the 20% price increase imposed on the non-core sector consumers was arbitrary, discriminatory, and in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, particularly considering the differential treatment between core and non-core sectors. Thirdly, the question was whether the respondents were entitled to claim refunds for the alleged excess amount paid during the period when the Interim Coal Policy was in effect.

The Court found that from the above legal exposition, it is clear that if there is a concern that the party claiming a refund may have shifted the financial burden or loss to a third party, then a refund should not be allowed. In such situations, the State bears the responsibility to retain those funds and apply them for the benefit of the public, acting in its capacity as parens patriae (guardian of the public interest). The argument of the same being violative of Article 14 of the Constitution was rejected. 

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Paid Legal Internship at Karan Gupta Law Chambers, Bangalore – Apply Now

Karan Gupta Law Chambers is a reputed litigation-based law firm in Bangalore, and has opened applications for its paid legal internship program. If you are a law student who is interested in gaining real-world courtroom and drafting experience, this Paid Legal Internship in Bangalore could be the perfect opportunity to build practical legal skills and expertise in a professional setting.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the internship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be currently pursuing a law degree from a recognized institution (3-year or 5-year course).
  • Should be in the penultimate or final year of their law program.
  • Must have a prior experience in disputes or litigation internships, essentially.

These criteria are aimed at selecting candidates who are prepared to contribute meaningfully from day one, learn about the work practically, and are serious about having a future in litigation.

Internship Location

The internship is strictly offline and will be conducted on-site at the firm’s Bangalore office:

Karan Gupta Law Chambers
26, 1st Cross, Magrath Road,
Next to Garuda Mall,
Bangalore – 560025

Remote or part-time internships will not be considered, as the firm prioritizes in-person training, mentorship, and direct exposure to litigation practice.

Available Internship Slots

The chambers is offering internship opportunities for the following months:

  1. 1 September 2025 – 25 September 2025
  2. 6 October 2025 – 31 October 2025
  3. 1 November 2025 – 29 November 2025
  4. 1 December 2025 – 29 December 2025

Applicants can expect to receive a response approximately four weeks prior to the proposed internship start date.

Nature of Work

The selected interns will be closely involved in litigation and disputes-related tasks, in order to get meaningful practical exposure, including:

  • Legal research on complex matters in litigation and dispute resolution
  • Drafting petitions, notices, and legal opinions
  • Assisting with court filings and documentation
  • Participating in internal team discussions
  • Attending client meetings and court hearings where possible

Interns are expected to show initiative and take ownership of their tasks. This hands-on exposure ensures a steep learning curve and a realistic insight into life as a litigation lawyer.

Stipend Details

This Paid Legal Internship in Bangalore offers a stipend higher than the industry standard, structured as follows:

  • ₹6,000 per month for interns residing in Bangalore
  • ₹6,000 + up to ₹6,000 as accommodation reimbursement for interns coming from outside Bangalore

This makes it one of the more lucrative litigation internships available to law students, especially those students who are willing to relocate temporarily for career growth.

Application Requirements

Applicants must send all three of the following documents in a single email to be considered:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Not exceeding three pages
  2. Statement of Interest (max 300 words) – Explaining your motivation to pursue a career in disputes/litigation
  3. Case Critique/Analysis – Choose either of the following Supreme Court cases:
    • Gayatri Balasamy vs ISG Novasoft Technologies Ltd, or
    • Neeharika Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Maharashtra
      Your note must include:
    • A concise summary of the holding
    • A brief, independent critique or legal analysis of the judgment

Note: Incomplete applications or those not adhering to format guidelines will be rejected without review.

How to Apply

All applications must be emailed to:

applications@kglaw.in

Make sure to use the email subject line: “Application for Internship”

Why Apply?

This Paid Legal Internship in Bangalore at Karan Gupta Law Chambers offers a rare chance to engage in serious litigation work under seasoned litigators. The chambers promotes a culture of mentorship, legal rigour, and professional ethics—qualities essential for a career in advocacy.

With a strong stipend, a hands-on work profile, and an emphasis on learning, this internship can be a vital stepping stone for anyone interested in courtroom practice and civil litigation.

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