JUDGMENT

B.R.SARANGI, J. - The petitioner, by means of this writ petition, seeks to quash the order dtd. 14/10/2022 under Annexure-12 passed by the Sub-Collector, Gunupur in Quarry Lease Appeal Case No.1/22, as well as the office order dtd. 18/1/2021 (wrongly dated as 1/1/2021) passed by opposite party no.2-Colletor, Rayagada under Annexure-8, and to issue direction to the opposite parties to grant the quarry lease in favour of the petitioner within a stipulated time.

2. The factual matrix of the case, in a nutshell, is that the Tahasildar, Gunupur-opposite party no.4, issued a notice on 8/9/2020 inviting applications for grant of Turukaniguda Sand Bed under Gunupur Tahasil on long term lease of five years through auction. Pursuant to such auction notice, seven bidders submitted their applications in sealed cover within the time specified. Opposite party no.5, having quoted highest price, was found as successful bidder, whereas the petitioner was found as second highest bidder. Consequentially, opposite party no.4 issued notice in Form-F to opposite party no.5, vide letter dtd. 25/9/2020, for conveying the acceptance of the terms and conditions and for depositing the required amount