Arup Kumar Goswami, J.

Heard Mr. S. Borthakur, learned counsel for the petitioners. Also heard Mr. T.C. Chutia, learned State counsel, appearing for the respondent Nos.1 to 5. This case was heard-in-part on 24.1.2017 and, on that day, Ms. P. Bhattacharyya, learned counsel appearing for the respondent Nos. 6 to 8, had appeared. Today, Mr. D. Das, learned counsel appears for respondent Nos. 6 to 8.

2. Sale notice in respect of NKD-B-6 Bandarkhowa Mining Contract Area was issued on 21.8.2013, for a period of 7 years, for the Years 2014-2021 and award of settlement was also made in favour of one Madhusudan Sutradhar and he had surrendered the mining contract area on 25.11.2014. In respect of NKD-B-5 Shahpur Mining Contract Area, sale notice was issued on 21.8.2013 for a period of 7 years, for the Years 2014-2021 and award of settlement was also made in favour of one Khandaker Jiyaur Rahman. He also surrendered the mining contract area by submitting application on 25.11.2014. In view of aforesaid developments, a resale notice dated 23.12.2014 was issued by the Divisional Forest Officer, North Kamrup Division, Rangia under the provisions of Rule 32(1) and 33(1) of the Ass