JUDGMENT :

Ajai Lamba, J.

Heard, Mr. S.B. Rahman, learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. S.C. Keyal, learned Assistant Solicitor General of India for Respondent No.1; Mr. T.C. Chutia, learned Additional Senior Government Advocate, Assam for Respondents No.2 and 8; Ms. T. Khro, learned Senior Government Advocate, Nagaland for Respondent No.3; Mr. S. Biswas, learned counsel for Respondent No.4; and Mr. H. Baruah, learned counsel for Respondent No.7.

2. This petition has been filed with the following main prayers :

"It is therefore prayed that Your Lordships would be pleased to admit this application, call for the records and issue a Rule upon the respondents to show cause as to why a writ in the nature of Mandamus should not be issued,

(a) directing the Authority to create a "Mines & Miner Task Force Battalion" under the administrative control of Directorate of Geology & Mining Assam for timely and independent action to prevent illegal mining and encroachment in fragile river beds in the State of Assam.

(b) directing the Authority to immediately stop all illegal mining in v