In this batch of writ petitions, the petitioners called in question the legality and validity of the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Dealers Rules, 2000 (for short, 'the Rules') notified by respondent No.1 vide G.O. Ms. No.537, Industries and Commerce (M.I.) Department, dated 11.1 0.2000.

2. The petitioners, most of whom are industrial units involved in the processing and pulverizing of mineral and some of them who are lessees to extract mineral such as Granite, Dolamite, White Shale, Lime Stone, steatite have mainly felt aggrieved by the definition of 'Mineral' contained in Rule 2(1)(h) of the Rules as amended by G.O. Ms. No.330 dated 14.6.2001.

The petitioners' case:

3. The case of the petitioners in short is that the definition of 'Mineral', which enlarged the scope of mineral as defined in Section 3(a) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (for short, 'the Act') is far beyond the delegated power of respondent No.1. The petitioners averred that by enlarging the scope of the definition of Mineral, the respondents have brought the processed minerals and the finished products within their regulatory control, which resulted in violation of their fun