JUDGMENT:

Dr. ARIJIT PASAYAT, J.

1. Since common points are involved in these appeals, they are disposed of by this common judgment.

2. Writ Petitions were filed by the appellants before the Andhra Pradesh High Court praying for quashing the order passed by the State Government in Memorandum No.8817/M.II(1)/2001-6, dated 4.2.2002 and the consequent demand notice issued by the Director of Mines and Geology and the proceedings of the Deputy Director, Mines and Geology. The appellant in each case is engaged in the business of construction, engineering and civil works. In each case the appellant had participated in the tenders invited by the Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (in short `BHEL) for the purpose of executing their part of the contract which is with NTPC for levelling and grading. BHEL had awarded the contract to the appellant- company for execution of the work. According to the appellant, the material required for the purpose of execution of the contract in terms of the specifications prescribed under the contract is earth, morrum gravel and mixture of these or any other material approved by the BHEL. The appellant had obtained rights for excavation of good earth from the ryots