( 1 ) THIS is a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution for the issue of a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction to the State of Andhra Pradesh, directing them to forbear from giving effect to G. O. Ms. No. 1617, Industries, dated 17/12/1957, and published in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette dated 2/01/1958. The impugned notification bears the title, "reservation of certain areas of Krishna District in Jaggayyapet Taluk, for public sector". and reads as follows : -- "in pursuance of the Industrial Policy Resolution of the Government of India, dated 30th, April, 1956, and with the prior approval of the Government of India, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, hereby declares that the areas, the details of which are given in annexure I and II to this notification, are with immediate effect reserved for exclusive exploitation of the Stale Government. " Annexure I deals with the lands situated in the villages of Gandrayi, Takkellapadu and Ramachandrunipet.

( 2 ) THE sum and substance of the petitioners ease is that in April, 1952, he applied to the State Government of the grant of prospecting licences for iron ore in respect of an extent of about