Correct Option
The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Under this Schedule, the Governor of a state is empowered to make regulations for the peace and good government of Scheduled Areas, including prohibiting or restricting the transfer of land by or among members of the Scheduled Tribes. The Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act) further reinforces these protections by mandating the Gram Sabha's role in preventing land alienation in Scheduled Areas. Therefore, the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining in Scheduled Areas can be declared null and void under the provisions of the Fifth Schedule.
Incorrect Options
Option (a) Third Schedule: This Schedule lists the forms of oaths or affirmations required for various constitutional functionaries, such as Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, Judges of the Supreme Court, etc. It does not pertain to land administration or tribal rights.
Option (c) Ninth Schedule: This Schedule contains a list of central and state laws that cannot be challenged in courts on the ground of violation of fundamental rights. While it protects certain laws from judicial review, it does not directly deal with the declaration of tribal land transfers as null and void.
Option (d) Twelfth Schedule: This Schedule specifies the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities, listing 18 subjects within their purview. It is unrelated to tribal land protection or administration.