Judgment

DAS, J. : This Rule was issued by this Court on the 16th September 1954 calling upon the respondents to appear and show cause why they should not be proceeded against for contempt of this Court.

2. It is desirable to mention at the outset the circumstances in which it becomes necessary for this Court to issue this Rule. On the 14th September 1954 there were on that day s cause list for hearing and final disposal two appeals, being - Saghir Ahmad v. State of Uttar Pradesh , and - Mirza Hasan Agha v. State of Uttar Pradesh , AIR 1954 SC 728 (A). A large number of writ petitions, 224 in number, under Article 32 of the Constitution raising the same questions were also on the cause list for that day.

Both the appellants and all the petitioners were engaged in carrying on businesses as carriers of passengers and goods by motor buses or lorries on different routes under licenses issued by the State of Uttar Pradesh and in cases where the route passed into or through the State of Delhi, countersigned by the State. Some of these persons had originally been granted permanent permits by the Regional Transport Authority. Pursuant to the policy of nationalisation of road transport busi