G. B. PATNAIK, J.

( 1 ) THESE two writ applications - one at the instance of the Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd. and the other at the instance of the State of Orissa are directed against the one and the same order dt. 25-6-1987, annexed as Annexure 14, and both the cases were heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment. By the impugned order of the Central Government dated 25-6-1987, the Central Government in exercise of powers conferred under Section 30 of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957 (hereinafter referred to as the "act") set aside the impugned order of the State Government as well as the reservation made by the State and has directed that the area in question be granted to opposite party No. 2 under a mining lease.

( 2 ) 2,499. 40 acres of land in villages of Siljora, Gurda, Balda and Kalimati in the district of Keonjhar had been given to M/s. Serajuddin and Company under a mining lease for extraction of manganese ore by order dated 1-11-1946. The lease in question was to expire on 31-10-1966. M/s. Serajuddin and Company filed an application for renewal of the mining lease and that application was rejected by the State Gover