S. ACHARYA, J.

( 1 ) THE facts in both these two writ petitions are similar and the orders impugned in both the writ applications are identical. The counsel appearing for the parties in both the cases are the same; facts are similar; the questions of law involved for decision in both these cases are the same; the counsel appearing for the parties advanced only one set of arguments which covers both the cases and they desire that both the cases may be disposed of by one judgment. Accordingly both the cases are hereby disposed of by this one judgment.

( 2 ) THE Patia stone quarry and the Kalarahang stone quarry were put to public auction on 6-3-78 as per notice (Annexure 3) issued by opposite party No. 3. The petitioner in O. J. C. No. 725/78 was the highest bidder in respect of the patia stone quarry, and the petitioner in O. J. C. No. 738/78 was the highest bidder in respect of the Kalarahang stone quarry. The petitioners in both the cases deposited 50% of the lease amounts as required under the notice annexure 3 and being called upon by the concerned authority. The Additional district Magistrate, Puri thereupon recommended to the higher authorities that the said quarries should