(1) If an application for renewal of a production lease made within the time referred to in clause (b) of sub-rule (1) of rule 23, is not disposed by the administering authority before the date of expiry of the lease, the 3518 GI/2006 -15 114 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] period of that lease shall be deemed to have been extended by a further period till the administering authority passes order thereon.
(2) The administering authority may condone delay in filing an application for renewal of production lease made after the time limit specified in clause (b) of sub-rule (1) of rule 23 provided the application has been made before the expiry of the lease.