Judgment

( 1 ) ). In this writ petition which has been brought in public interest, the exercise of discretion in allotment of retail outlets for petroleum products, LPG Dealership and SKO Dealership by the central government is challenged. It is urged that there are no guidelines to regulate the exercise of discretion in the matter of such allotments which results in exercise of the discretion arbitrarily.

( 2 ) ). After hearing the learned counsel for the parties, we requested the learned Attorney general to submit a draft of the proposed guidelines to regulate exercise of the discretionary power in the matter of such allotments in the light of the suggestions made on behalf of the petitioner at the hearing. The learned Attorney General submitted a draft of the proposed guidelines together with the general conditions on which the applicants may be chosen for making the allotments. In addition, the learned Attorney General also indicated certain details for being inserted in the brochure of guidelines for selection of dealers available with all the oil companies.

( 3 ) ). To ensure the exercise of discretion in making such allotments in conformity with the rule of law by excluding t