These petitions relate to the Chank fishery in the territorial waters along the Sivaganga coast in Ramanathapuram district. These waters extend from Sundarapandianpatnam to Karungadu. The Director of Fisheries who is the first respondent called for tenders for the lease of chank fishery for a period of three years from 1st June, 1962, and by GO. Ms. No. 2359, Food and Agriculture dated 11th July, 1962 ; the State Government directed the grant of lease to the second respondent, his bid of Rs. 64,646 as the annual rent being the highest. His tender was accordingly accepted by the first respondent by letter dated 12th July, 1962. Under the terms of the tender, the successful tenderer will be at liberty to collect chanks caught in nets and by means of diving as well within the limits specified. In the process of such collection of shells, no chanks of less than 21 inches in diameter should be fished and taken to the shore. Any chank under the limit of 2¼ inches in diameter, if brought inadvertently to the shore, all such undersized shells should be returned at once alive to the chank-beds at sea. All undersized shells in possession of the lessee are liable for forfeiture. Sh