JUDGMENT

Chandramauli kr. Prasad, J.-Petitioner, aggrieved by the order passed by the Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court initiating proceeding for contempt in exercise of its suo motu power, has preferred these special leave petitions.

2. Leave granted.

3. Bereft of unnecessary details the facts giving rise to the present appeals are that the appellant applied on 16th of April, 2003 for grant of mining lease for iron ore over an area of 350 acres in Yeshawanthnagar Range of the Kumarswamy Reserve Forest Area within Sandur Taluk in Bellary District of the State of Karnataka. The State Government processed the request and in exercise of powers under Section 5 (1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (hereinafter referred to as `the Act') by its letter dated 9th of February, 2004 recommended to the Central Government for grant of mining lease in favour of the appellant to the extent of 16.8 hectares. However before any decision could be taken, the Central Government issued notification dated 27th of June, 2005 in exercise of the power under Section 17 A (1A) of the Act and reserved iron ore deposits in the area in question for exploitation by State