C. V. N. SASTRY, J.

( 1 ) THESE two writ petitions can be conveniently disposed of by a common judgment as the facts are identical and the question for determination is also the same in both the matters. For the purpose of this judgment, it is sufficient if the facts in W. P. No. 11299 of 1997 are set out.

( 2 ) ON 10-10-1997 the State Government issued a notification notifying theareas in the State for the purpose of undertaking prospecting and mining operations for semi-precious stones. The Government also appointed the andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation ( a. P. M. D. C/ for short) as an agent to call for offers for mining franchise through sealed tender-cum- public auction. Pursuant to the said orders of the Government, the A. P. M. D. C. issued an advertisement on 23-10-1996 inviting offers for mining franchise through sealed tender-cum-public auction from the interested parties. In response to the advertisement, the petitioner submitted its offer and participated in the auction held on 6-11-1996 and became the highest bidder for the franchise of prospecting and mining semi-precious stones in peddamadina revenue village, Visakhapatnam district. The petitioners bid o

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