1. In this batch of writ petitions, in which common question of law and fact is involved therefore they are clubbed together and are being decided by common order, the petitioners seek to challenge the memo/letter dated 14-9-2015 by which the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Mines, has directed that contribution towards the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) established under Section 9C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 needs to be collected from the lessee with effect from 12-1-2015.

2. Essential facts requisite to adjudicate the lis between the parties are as under: -

(Facts of W.P.(C)No.1504/2016 are taken for adjudication)

2.(1) The Union of India by amendment in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (for short, 'the MMDR Act') introduced an amendment by Amendment Act 10 of 2015 inserting Sections 9B and 9C providing for establishment of District Mineral Foundation and National Mineral Exploration Trust, respectively, and contribution to be made to the said Trusts.

2.(2) In this batch of writ petitions, the Court is concerned with the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), as the question of c