Pioneer Mines and Minerals Ltd. (PMML) is the license holder of 30 mines in the State of Tamil Nadu which produces non-metallic minerals like gypsum, limestone, lignite, and rock phosphate. The PMML has leased out 5 mine

Answer 4(a) In terms of Section 2(1)(1) of the Mines Act, 1952, 'owner', when used, in relation to a mine, means any person who is the immediate proprietor or lessee or occupier of the mine or of any part thereof and in the case of a mine the business whereof is being carried on by a liquidator or receiver, such liquidator or receiver But does not include a person who merely receives a royalty, rent or fine from the mine, or is merely the proprietor of the mine, subject to any lease, grant or licence for the working thereof, or who is merely the owner of the soil and not interested in the minerals of the mine; But any contractor or sub-lessee for the working of a mine or any part thereof shall be subject to this Act in like manner as if he were an owner, but not so as to exempt the owner from any liability. In the case of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. Vs. Madanlal Agrawal, 1996 IXAD (SC) 415, it was observed that the definition of an 'owner' which also includes a lessee or an occupier apart from the immediate proprietor. Thus, in the present case the Arihant Marbles shall be considered as owner of the mine. In terms of Section 2(1)(q) of the Mines Act, 1952, 'serious bodily injury' means any injury which involves, or in all probability will involve, the permanent loss of any part or section of a body; or the use of any part or section of a body; or the permanent loss of or injury to the sight or hearing or any permanent physical incapacity; or the fracture of any bone or one or more joints or bones of any phalanges of hand or foot. Since Kushal has lost his right hand palm and in accordance with the above definition, it shall be treated as serious bodily injury.