ORDER :

1. By way of filing this petition, the petitioner is seeking direction against the respondents for grant of approval for diversion of 13.99 hectares of forest land in favour of the petitioner and further prayer has been made by the petitioner to quash and set aside the impugned letters/communications dated 26.02.2020, 25.09.2003 and 06.11.2003 passed by the respondents.

2. Counsel for the petitioner submits that petitioner was operating mines and he was having a valid licence to operate the mines but the mining operations were stayed by the order dated 12.12.1996 passed by the Hon’ble Apex Court in Writ Petition (Civil) No.202/1995. Counsel submits that on 15.10.1997, the petitioner submitted an application for renewal of his mining lease and at the same time, a request was made for approval of diversion of 13.99 hectares of forest land in favour of the petitioner. Counsel submits that inspite of passing of considerable time, the respondents never communicated the decision taken by the authorities with regard to the grievance of the petitioner, although, the petitioner approached in the office of the respondents on many occasions but except assurance nothing was done in writi