Section 12(6) in The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development And Regulation) Act, 2002
(6)The area that may be granted under exploration licence shall not exceed a block of thirty minutes latitude by thirty minutes longitude:Provided that if the administering authority is of the opinion that in the interest of the development of any mineral, it is necessary so to do, it may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, permit any person to acquire an area in excess of the area specified in this sub-section.
