( 1 ) THIS contempt appeal arises out of the order passed by the learned single Judge in C. C. No. 769 of 1997. The contempt case was filed before the learned single Judge alleging violation of the order of this Court passed in W. P. No. 12386 of 1991, dated 18-10-96. The writ petition was disposed of with a direction to the District Collector, Prakasam District to enter into a lease deed with the petitioners in respect of an extent of Ac. 15-00 of land in S. No. 15/5 of Rajupalem-Lakshmipuram Village, Chimakurthi Mandal, Prakasam District. It was also directed that the Deputy Director of Mines and Geology, before whom the petitioners filed application for grant of quarry lease, shall transmit the application to the Director of Mines and Geology, who shall dispose of the same in accordance with law. It appears that Writ Appeal was filed against this order, though at a somewhat leisurely pace, and it was dismissed by an order dated 27-6-97. Thereafter, there was some correspondence between the District Collector, the Director of Mines and Geology and the State Government, and ultimately an order was passed by the Director of Mines and Geology (appellant herein) rejecting the mining

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