Senior Advocate DLN Rao, a veteran member of the Karnataka Bar and one of the country’s leading authorities on mining law, passed away on Monday.

Rao was a designated Senior Advocate of the Karnataka High Court and had more than five decades of experience at the Bar. He practised extensively before both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court, particularly in matters involving mining, land acquisition, infrastructure and public law.

He was widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities in the field of mining law.

Played key role in Namma Metro litigation

Rao also made a notable contribution to litigation concerning Bengaluru’s Namma Metro project.

In 2010, the Karnataka High Court appointed him as amicus curiae in proceedings concerning the proposed underground Metro stretch between Vidhana Soudha and the High Court through the Cubbon Park area.

The Bench had sought Rao’s assistance considering the wider implications of the proposed project, particularly its impact on the surrounding environment and public spaces.

The High Court subsequently permitted the underground Metro project while imposing safeguards relating to restoration of land and protection of green cover.

While assisting the Court, Rao had also raised concerns regarding the trees likely to be affected by the project and the use of ancillary buildings connected with the Metro project.

Rao remained actively involved in significant litigation and continued appearing in important matters until recently.

His death marks the loss of a distinguished member of the Karnataka Bar and a highly respected practitioner in mining and public law.