ORDER

1. This appeal arises from the judgment and order of the Division Bench of Delhi High Court in Civil Writ Petition No. 3165 of 1991 dated 1-11-1991. Writ Petition No. 253 of 1993 was filed by an Association and also a partner as an individual. Writ Petition No. 64 of 1994 was filed by the petitioner who is a widow and daughter of a dealer in petroleum products. These matters relate to the contracts of dealership or distributorship of petroleum products awardable by the Government of India Undertakings. In the first case, admittedly, the appellants sonrin-law is already having a dealership for distribution of petroleum products. In the second case it is an admitted fact that one of the appellants partners is already having a dealership of petroleum products and in the third case, the appellants mother is already having a dealership of petroleum products.

2. The questions raised in these appeals/petitions are whether the Government is justified in imposition of eligibility restrictions in the award of retail outlets (other than 2/3 wheeler ROs), SKO-LD dealerships and LPG distributorships guidelines. Part III of the guidelines prescribes the eligibility criteria, viz., nationalit