Purnendu Singh, J. – Heard Mr. Suraj Samdarshi, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner; Mr. Brij Bihari Tiwary, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the Mines Department and Mr. Gyan Prakash Ojha, learned GA-7 for the State.

2. In the present writ petition, main challenge is made to the order dated 24.02.2023 passed by the Competent Authority-cum-Collector, Kaimur contained in Memo No. 182 and for setting aside the order dated 11.08.2023 passed by the Mines Commissioner, Bihar-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Mines & Geology, Government of Bihar, Patna, by which, ‘In-Principal approval/settlement’ has been cancelled and further, the security deposit of Rs. 51,50,000/- has been forfeited allegedly on the ground that even after lapse of 6 years 07 months, petitioner has failed to produce the Environmental Clearance and the installment amount and other amount, as well as, other important documents for execution of ‘Form-B’ violating the rules as provided under Rule 28 of the 2019 Rules. The petitioner is aggrieved by the arbitrary order dated 11.08.2023 passed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, who has upheld the order pass