U.L. Bhat, C.J.

1. Common questions arise for consideration in these writ petitions and therefore, they are being disposed of by a common order.

2. We will briefly refer to the facts in M. P. No. 3113 of 1987. The petitioner on 13-10-1982 submitted an application to the State Government for grant of mining lease for extraction of ochre and white-clay in 10.374 hectares of land. The application was submitted under Section 10 of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957 (for short, 'the Act') and Rule 22 of the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 framed by the Central Government under Section 13 of the Act. The Act was amended by Central Act No. 37 of 1986 which came into force with effect from 10-2-1987. Consequently the Rules were also amended and the amendments were brought into force with effect from 10-2-1987. On 1-10-1983, the State Government rejected the application. The petitioner filed a representation before the Central Government which set aside the order of the State Government and directed it to consider the application afresh in accordance with law. This order was passed on 4-2-1986. On 27-6-1986, the State Government wrote to the petitioner requiring