( 1 ) IN all these four writ petitions the petitioners have challenged the notice dated 17. 1. 2006 issued by the District Magistrate/collector, Allahabad, respondent no. 2, by which applications have been invited for grant of mining lease in respect of sand for a period of three years for the vacant areas mentioned therein and separate orders dated 23. 11. 2005 passed by the District Magistrate/collector, Allahabad, cancelling the sanction/approval dated 31. 3. 2001 regarding grant of lease in favour of the petitioners.

( 2 ) AS the counter affidavit and the rejoinder affidavit have been exchanged between the parties in all the writ petitions, with the consent of the learned counsel for the parties, all the writ petitions are being heard and finally disposed of at the admission stage itself in accordance with the Rules of Court.

( 3 ) BRIEFLY stated, the facts giving rise to the present petitions are as follows:-According to the petitioners, the Government of Uttar Pradesh issued an order on 30. 12. 2000 declaring the entire area in the State of U. P. for grant of mining lease and directing the District Magistrates of various districts in the State of U. P. to de