IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA. CWP No. 321 of 2010. Decided on: March 16, 2010 Sanjay Singh ….. Petitioner. Versus State of Himachal Pradesh and others. …… Respondents. Coram The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kurian Joseph, Chief Justice The Hon’ble Mr. Justice R.B. Misra, Judge. For the Petitioner : Mr. J.S. Bhogal, Sr. Advocate with Mr. C.N. Singh, Advocate. For the Respondents: Mr. R.K. Bawa, Advocate General with Mr. J.K. Verma, Dy. Advocate General. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Justice Kurian Joseph, C.J. (Oral) The Writ Petition is filed with the following prayer:- “1. Issue a writ of mandamus or appropriate writ, order of directions as this Hon’ble Court deems fit and proper, directing the respondent department to complete the process of auction of minor mineral quarries of District Kangra, HP falling in Sub Divisions, Dharamshala, Kangra, Dehra, Jawali and Nurpur, Palampur, Baijnath & Jaisinghpur within time bound period of two weeks, or within a reasonable period or fix an appropriate date and direct the respondent to conduct and compete the auction proceedings in accordance with law.” 2 Among other contentions, it is also submitted that owing to the inordinate delay in conducting the auction, the State has suffered revenue loss. We find some force in the submission. In case the minor minerals are to be auctioned, there is no point in delaying the auction. We are informed that the auction is slated to be held in the end of this month. Therefore, this Writ Petition is disposed of, directing the respondents to finalize the proceedings with regard to the auction referred to in the Writ Petition, as per the schedule now fixed. There will be a direction to the Additional District Magistrate to ensure that all safeguards are taken for completing the procedure of auction, as above, lest he should be called upon to compensate the loss caused to the public exchequer. The petitioner will produce a copy of this judgment alongwith a copy of the Writ Petition before the Additional District Magistrate immediately. The Writ Petition is disposed of, so also the pending applications. (Justice Kurian Joseph), Chief Justice March 16, 2010 (Justice R.B. Misra), (rks) Judge.