THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.6841 of 2010 ORDER: The petitioner is a Cooperative Society of Boat Workers, having its office at Ibrahimpatnam Village and Mandal, Krishan District. Over the past several years, it has been participating in the auctions conducted for sand quarries, particularly where the sand is to be lifted from river bed and transported to the river bank through boats. Rule 9- C of the A.P. Minor Meneral Concession Rules, 1966 (for short ‘the Rules’), provides certain incentives and benefits in favour of the Boatsmen Cooperative Societies, where the quarrying involves lifting and transport of the sand from river bed to the bank, through boats. The Assistant Director of Mines & Geology, Nandigama, the 4th respondent herein, issued a notification, dated 08.03.2010, inviting tenders, in respect of Vedadri Reach of Jaggaiahpet Mandal at Krishna District. The petitioner states that the Authorities of the Mines Department used to mention the application of Rule 9-C of the Rules, wherever the situation warrant, and in the instant case, though the provision is attracted, it is not mentioned. It is apparent that, in the event of it being declared as successful, it cannot be extended the benefit under that provision. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Government Pleader for respondents. There is no controversy as to the purport of Rule 9-C of the Rules. It confers certain specific benefits upon the Boatsmen Cooperative Societies, wherever quarrying of sand involves use of boats. Across the Bar, it is agreed by both the parties that the quarrying of sand in Vedadri Reach of Krishna river, involves use of boats. However, mere non-mention of Rule 9-C of the Rules, does not by itself take away the benefits in favour of the society, even otherwise entitled to. Therefore, the Writ Petition is disposed of, directing that the petitioner or for that matter any other society that is granted the quarry lease in respect of Vedadri Reach on Krishna River shall be entitled for the benefit under Rule 9-C of the Rules. There shall be no order as costs. _____________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dt.25.03.2010. GJ