M/S. Omega Granite, v. The Collector,

THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION No.38277 of 2015 ORDER:

The grievance of the petitioner - concern is that the mining authorities are not taking necessary steps pursuant to its application dated 10.01.2014. This application was made for grant of a quarry lease for colour granite over an extent of 4.970 Hectares in the survey No.Gap Area of Narasimhapuram (TVNR Puram) Village, Palasamudram Mandal, Chittoor District.

It is the case of the petitioner - concern that pursuant to G.O.Ms.No.2, Revenue (Assignments.I) Department, dated 02.01.2013, a joint inspection has been undertaken by the revenue, mining and forest authorities concerned and a report has also been submitted recommending the grant of the lease. However, further steps are not being taken pursuant thereto.

GO.Ms.No.181, Industries & Commerce (Mines.I) Department, dated 28.05.1998 details the procedure to be followed for processing quarry lease applications. Time stipulations are provided thereunder in this regard.

In that view of the matter, it is not open to the authorities to sleep over the petitioner - concern's application and process the same at their own leisure.

The Writ Petition is accordingly disposed of directing the authorities concerned to take necessary steps to process the petitioner - concern's application in accordance with law. As the time stipulations

under the relevant G.O. have already expired, this exercise shall be completed expeditiously and in any event, not later than three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Pending miscellaneous petitions, if any, shall stand closed in the light of this final order. No order as to costs. ____________________ SANJAY KUMAR, J 25th NOVEMBER, 2015.

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