ORDER
This is a writ petition seeking, in substance, a mandamus to issue mining lease in favour of the writ petitioner on the ground that there has been a letter of intent on behalf of the State Government to grant the lease.
2. Our attention is drawn to the decision of the Supreme Court of India in the case of BHUSHAN POWER AND STEEL LIMITED versus MR.S.L.SEAL, ADDITIONAL SECRETARY (STEEL AND MINES), GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA AND OTHERS in Contempt Petition (Civil) No.275 of 2016 in Contempt Petition (Civil) No.374 of 2012 in Civil Appeal No.2790 of 2012, where it has been held that there could not have been any letter of intent by the State Government unless there has been a previous approval of the Central Government. The previous approval of the Central Government has been essential.
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3. Admittedly, in this case, there was no previous approval by the Central Government. Therefore, we do not find any merit in the writ petition.
4. The writ petition stands dismissed.
5. There will be no order as to costs. Sd/-
CHIEF JUSTICE
Sd/-
JUDGE
RV
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