Honble Ashok Bhushan, J.—Heard Sri Shashi Nandan, learned Senior Advocate, assisted by Sri Madan Lal Srivastava for the petitioners and Sri Vishnu Pratap, learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents.

2. By this writ petition, the petitioners have prayed for quashing the order dated 31st May, 2003 passed by the Additional District & Sessions Judge, Anpara allowing the review application filed by the Forest Department of the State of U.P. and directing for including the plots in question in notification under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Another order challenged by the petitioners is the order dated 30th June, 2007 passed by the District Magistrate, Sonebhadra informing that applications of the petitioners for grant of mining leases cannot be considered since in view of the order of Additional District & Sessions Judge dated 31st May, 2003 the land in question has been treated as reserved forest and is proposed to be declared as reserved forest under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act. A writ of mandamus has also been sought directing respondents No. 3 and 4 to decide the applications of the petitioners for grant of mining leases.

3. Facts giving rise