GUPTESHWAR PRASAD GUPTA Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) All the aforesaid cases are connected matters, as such they have been heard together and are being disposed of by this common order.

(2.) The petitioners in all the three cases have challenged the order contained in annexure-1 in each of the writ applications passed by the Commissioner of Mines in different cases rejecting their applications for renewal of min ing leases for quaring stone in forest area.

(3.) It is an admitted position that the petitioners were granted lease in 1986 for a period of five years and after expiry of the same, the petitioners applied for renewal of the lease with regard to the plot Nos. 344 and 345 in Fazilpur Thana No. 233 Sasaram District-Rohtas. By the impugned order their prayer for renewal has been rejected on the ground that no prior approval of the Central Government has been obtained in terms of the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act.