ORDER

1. Leave granted.

2. Heard learned counsel for the parties.

3. The Delhi Development Authority (for short, D.D.A.], issued an advertisement, which was published in the newspaper dated 21st May, 1988 for auction of Plot No.235 measuring 84.10 sq. meter situated at Padam Nagar, New Delhi. In the auction held on 21st June, 1988, the appellants participated along with other bidders. They gave the highest bid of Rs.3,00,758/-. In terms of the advertisement, the bid was required to be approved by the Vice-Chairman, D.D.A. The latter rejected the same and his decision was communicated to the appellants vide letter dated 7th July, 1988, sent by Deputy Director [O.S.D.], D.D.A.

4. The appellants challenged the rejection of their bid by filing writ petition which was dismissed by the learned Single Judge by relying on the so-called representation made by ex-Municipal Member to espouse the cause of residents of the area. The Letters Patent Appeal preferred by the appellants was dismissed by the Division Bench. Hence, these appeals by special leave.

5. Undisputedly, the D.D.A. had taken a conscious decision to auction the plot. It is neither the pleaded case of the respondents nor any mater