JUDGMENT

B. P. JEEVAN REDDY, J.:—Leave granted.

2. This Appeal is directed against the Judgment of a Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissing Writ Appeal 1062 of 1991 preferred by the Appellant. The. main issue in this appeal is the interpretation to be placed upon sub-rule (4) of Rule 12 of A.P. Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966.

3. Survey No. 650/1 Palukur Village in Kurnool District is of an extent of 40 acres. It contains a minor mineral, lime stone slab. One Venkatesan was granted a lease for the said extent earlier. The term of his lease was expiring on 20-8-87. He applied for renewal of the lease 90 days before the expiry of his lease as contemplated by sub-rule (2) of Rule 13 of the said rules. On 17-7-87 however he withdrew his application. On 18-7-87 his son, the fourth respondent, applied for grant of lease in respect of 18 acres in the said survey number. No orders were passed thereon by the appropriate authorities. On 10-8-87 the appellant, a Labour Co-operative Society, applied for lease in respect of the entire extent. of 40 acres. Both these applications remained pending till the expiry of 90 days from the respective dates they were filed, with th