THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.3307 of 2007 Dated:22.02.2007 Between: C.Giridhar and others. …Petitioners and Govt. of A.P., and others. …Respondents THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.3307 of 2007 ORDER: The petitioners, who are fifteen in number, approached the District Collector through their Lawyer alleging that some of the contractors, namely, Edu Ranganna, Gopalappa, Bajarappa and others are resorting to illegal mining by employing huge machines. They requested to take necessary action in the matter. When there was no response, the present Writ Petition is filed seeking a direction to the respondents, namely, the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Director of Mines and Geology, Assistant Director of Mines and Geology, Kurnool, District Collector, Kurnool, Mandal Revenue Officer, Aspari, and two Police Officials to take necessary action in the matter. After hearing the learned Counsel for the petitioners, this Court is convinced that the Writ Petition is wholly misconceived. When there is an illegal mining, which is prohibited by the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957, as well as the A.P. Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966, the basic thing is to approach the appropriate authority under the Mines and Geology Department. The same was not done. Learned Counsel for the petitioners, however, justifies the invoking of writ jurisdiction stating that a copy of the representation was marked to the third respondent. I am afraid this is not a proper answer, especially, when the District Collector is nothing to do with the illegal mining. Therefore, the petitioners may approach the appropriate authorities under the Mines and Geology Department. The Writ Petition is accordingly dismissed. No costs. ____________ (V.V.S.RAO, J) 22.02.2007 vs