Date : 02-03-2023 Heard Mr. M. Dutta, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner in WP(C) No.8109/2017, WP(C) No.1354/2017, WP(C) No.5306/2017, WP(C) No.6309/2017, WP(C) No.6634/2017, WP(C) No.7809/2017, WP(C) No.2811/2018, WP(C) No.868/2020, WP(C) No.2758/2020, WP(C) No.5514/2020, WP(C) No.3169/2021, WP(C) No.3176/2021 and WP(C) No.998/2023. I have also heard Mr. D. Das, the learned Senior counsel assisted by Mr. D. J. Medhi, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner in WP(C) No.4403/2020, WP(C) No.3248/2021, WP(C) No.5204/2021, WP(C) No.7207/2021 and WP(C) No.1003/2023. Mr. S. Banik, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the writ petitioner in WP(C) No.7006/2021 and Mr. D. Nath, the learned Senior Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the Fishery Department, Government of Assam.

2. The plethora of writ petitions before this Court are in relation to the settlement of the petitioner-M/S Saikhowa Sadiya Min Samabay Samity Ltd. (for short hereinafter referred to as ‘the petitioner’) in respect of Brahmaputra Part III, IV and V Fishery Mahal. It is relevant to take note of that the said fishery falls within the category