The paramount consideration in settlement processes, particularly those earning revenue for the government, is public interest, and ecological factors must also be taken into account.

Anniguri Sand and Stone Mahal was settled with the petitioner in 1986 for a period of three years which was later extended to 27.9.91. For the period from 1991-93 the authority competent published tender notice inviting tenders. The notice was published on 2.7.91, the last date of receipt of tender was fixed as 18.7.91. On 18.7.91 the Minister of State, Govt. of Assam dealing with Forest sent a W.T. Message (Annexure C) to the Officer concerned directing stay of the tender process in this case until further orders. Annexure D dated 24.7.91 is W.T. Message sent by the Commissioner and Secretary of the Govt. of Assam to all Forest Officers suspending settlement of forest mahal on account of foul play and the flood situation. On 27.9.91 the fourth respondent submitted an application to the Government requesting for private settlement of this quarry to him. By Annexure E letter dated 3.8.91 the Government forwarded the same to the Officer concerned for a detailed report. These development pursuaded the petitioner to file this writ petition praying for a writ of Mandamus quashing Annexures C,D and E.

2. We have Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the fourth respondent and the learned Govt. Advocate.

3. We think it unnecessary to go into the question of malafides raised in the writ petition or the defence raised on behalf of the fourth respondent. It is agreed at the Bar that settlement can be affected by tender/auction or by direct negotiation. The tender process that comm­enced earlier has become infructuous since no one has submitted tender or as now urged before us, the authority concerned did not receive tenders and ordinarily the tender process has to be commenced afresh. Direct settlement can be resorted to only if the circumstances justify it. While it may be open to any one to apply f >r private settlement, the authority concerned can consider it only if the circumstances justify abandonment of the tender or auction process.

4. While providing for settlement by tender or direct negotiation no guidelines are expressly laid down as to when one method is to be preferred over the other. However, the scheme of the settlements, the purpose sought to I e achieved by such settlements clearly spell out certain broad guidelines. The Government or any subordinate authority has no unguided or arbitrary discretion in choosing one methou over the other. In the matter of a settlement which earns revenue for the Government, the paramount factor to be taken into consideration is public interest. In appropriate cases such processes as may ensure protection of such sections of people or institution as may require protection, may have to be adopted. In so far as settlements like sand mahal (quarry) are concerned, besides public interest, State has also to take note of ecological factors. It should first be decided if the right to operate a quarry is to be settled If there is to be a settlement, it should next be considered whether it should be settled by tender process or by direct negotiations or otherwise. Though alternate methods are admittedly contemplated, direct settlement cannot be resorted to as the normal procedure. The normal procedure must necess­arily be the tender process or public auction for only they safeguard public interest and prevent arbitrary conferment of largessee on chosen favourites. There may be cases where tender or auction process fails to load to just or proper settlement on account of various reasons; the situation in a given case or area may be such that such process is impracticable or cannot otherwise be resorted to Only w en there is sufficient ground not to affect settlement on the basis of tender or auction; Government or authority concerned could think of affecting direct settlement. These are the general guidelines that the State or authority concerned has to bear in mind before taking appropriate decision in this regard.

5. We dispose of the Civil Rule directing the State of Assam t