RAM PRAVESH SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Learned Advocate Mr. Ram Sevak Choudhary appearing for the petitioners is not present on repeated calls. The petitioners before this court are the brick kiln owners. The petitioners seek to challenge the rate of royalty charged by the State of Bihar on the minor mineral (soil) under Government Notifications dated 2nd April 1987, 17th August 1991, 27th March 1992 and 28th September 1994 issued under the Bihar Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1972 . The petitioners also seek to challenge the recovery of a lump sum royalty, which was hitherto collected in instalments.

(2.) In our opinion, in view of the passage of time and further enhancement of royalty over the years since the filing of the writ petition, the matter at issue has become academic. No relief on the present petition can be granted to the writ petitioners. The writ petition is accordingly disposed of.