JUDGMENT

ALOK ARADHE, CJ. - Mr. M. Sudershan, learned Government Pleader for Forests appears for the appellants in W.A.No.708 of 2006 and respondent Nos.1 to 4 in W.A.No.927 of 2010. Ms. G. Sudha, learned Standing Counsel for National Thermal Power Corporation Limited appears for respondent No.1 in W.A.No.708 of 2006 and the appellant in W.A.No.927 of 2010. Mr. Gadi Praveen Kumar, learned Deputy Solicitor General of India appears for Union of India.

2. W.A.No.708 of 2006 has been filed by the erstwhile Government of Andhra Pradesh whereas W.A.No.927 of 2010 has been filed by National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (hereinafter referred to as 'the Corporation'). Since both these appeals emanate from an order dtd. 5/4/2006 passed by the learned Single Judge in Writ Petition No.12512 of 1992, the same were heard together and are being decided by this common judgment.

3. For the sake of convenience, the parties shall be hereinafter referred to as they are arrayed in the Writ Petition.

4. The Corporation is a Government Company within the meaning of Sec. 617 of the Companies Act, 1956. The Corporation is engaged in the business of generation of electricity. The Corporation needed larg