( 1 ) AT the outset, we may note that this is a probono publico litigation filed by Indian Industrial Mineral producers Welfare Association, represented by its Secretary P. Lakshmana Perumal, chennai, Tamilnadu, complaining that the mining lease granted in favour of the 4th respondent - M/s. Transworld Garnet India private Limited - is contrary to the provisions of Mines and Minerals (Development and regulation) Act, 1957 (for short mmrd act ) and the Rules made thereunder, apart from the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the rules framed thereunder.

( 2 ) IT is stated that India has large reserves of beach sand minerals in the coastal stretches around the country. Ilmenite is the largest constituent of the Indian deposits and the others being Rutile, leucoxene, Zircon, Garnet and Monazite. The minerals other than Garnet and sillimanite have been classified as prescribed substances under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. Under the said Act, it is mandatory to obtain licences from the designated competent authority in the Department of atomic Energy for working of any mines and minerals from which prescribed substances can be obtained as well as for acquisition, production