JAGDEV SINGH Vs. STATE OF UTTARAKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has preferred the present writ petition to assail the order dtd. 18/1/2023, the order dtd. 27/1/2023, order dtd. 28/1/2023, and the order dtd. 10/2/2023.

(2.) The first order dtd. 18/1/2023, revises the royalty rates in respect of mining in the State. We see no merit in the challenge to the said order, inasmuch, as, it is for the State to determine the royalty that it charges for the activities of mining. The challenge to the order dtd. 18/1/2023 is devoid of any force, and is rejected.

(3.) The petitioner had participated in an open tender initiated by the respondent on 24/12/2022. The said tender was for the purpose of dredging in river Yamuna. The bidders were, under the terms of the tender, not only required to dredge the river, but also were entitled to remove the RBM and silt, and appropriate the same. The petitioner participated in the said tender, and on 24/1/2023, the petitioner was found to be the highest bidder. Before the bid of the petitioner could be accepted, in the light of the revision of the royalty in respect of RBM etc., vide order dtd. 18/1/2023, the respondents decided not to proceed with the tendering process. The petitioner is aggrieved by the said decision of the respondents.