Section 13C. Certain applications and exploration licence to become ineligible.

1[13C. Certain applications and exploration licence to become ineligible.--(1) On and from the date of commencement of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, auction being the sole method of selection for grant of composite licence or production lease under sections 12 and 13,-- (a) all applications received prior to the said date of commencement for grant of composite licence or production lease shall become ineligible; (b) any exploration licence granted prior to the said date of commencement shall become ineligible for grant of production lease over the offshore area covered by such exploration licence. (2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall be applicable notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, or any order or direction to the contrary, passed by any court or authority, prior to the commencement of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023.]