JUDGMENT

Rajendra Babu. J.-In these two sets of appeals, the appellants are calling in question two orders made by two Full Benches of the High Court - one on September 2, 1994 and the other on March 4, 1996.

Civil Appeal Nos. 6656-6657/94. 6658-6659/94. 6642-6646/94. 6647-6650/94 & 6651-6655/94.

2. The Government of Andhra Pradesh declared, on 7.1.1974, that the barytes ore bearing areas in Mangampett and Anandarajpet of Cuddapah District are reserved exclusively for exploitation in the public sector however excluding the lands that had already been leased to private persons. By two notifications issued on 10.2.1975 and 19.2.1983, the Government of Andhra Pradesh granted mining leases over an extent of different areas in favour of the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation [hereinafter referred to as the Corporation ]. On 6.1.1991, the Government of Andhra Pradesh accorded permission for grant of sub-lease by the Corporation subject to certain terms and conditions mentioned in G.O.Ms.No. 215 dated 22.4.1980. The Government of Andhra Pradesh by different orders accorded permission for grant of sub-lease for further extent of lands in the month of May 1991. The Government