JUDGMENT

VENKATACHALA, J. :—This appeal by special leave is directed against the judgment and order dated 26-4-1982 of the High Court of Allahabad by which Civil Misc. Writ Petition No. 12220 of 1975 : (reported in AIR 1982 All 469) filed by the petitioner therein, the appellant here, was dismissed.

2. The appellant was a registered partnership firm. On 10-10-1935 the Municipal Board of Aligarh, respondent-1 granted to the appellant, acting in accordance with the provisions of Section 224 and Section 224-A of the U. P. Municipalities Act, 1916 - "the Act", Aligarh water Supply Licence, 1935 - "the Licence" for providing water supply to certain areas of Aligarh by taking over the then existing water works of respondent-1, subject to the condition of paying to respondent-1 annual fee of Rs. 10,000/- and of fulfilling other conditions of the Licence, Condition 7 of those conditions which related to the period of licence, read thus :

"7. This licence shall remain in force for a period of 50 years from its commencement. On the expiry of the said period of 50 years the board may at its option either renew this licence for another period of 50 years and on the same terms and conditions, or