JUDGMENT

Madan B. Lokur, J.

1. Leave granted in S.L.P. (Civil) No. 313 of 2012.

2. The question for consideration is whether, on the cancellation of the allotment of a dealership or distributorship for petroleum products in favour of the first ranked or first empanelled candidate, there is an automatic allotment in favour of the second ranked or second empanelled candidate, subject to fulfillment of the conditions of allotment. In our opinion, in view of the decisions of this Court, if the allotment is tainted due to political connections or patronage or other extraneous considerations, the entire selection process is vitiated and, therefore the second ranked or second empanelled candidate is not entitled to an automatic allotment of a dealership or distributorship in his or her favour.

The facts

3. On 10th July 2000, an advertisement was issued by the appellants, that is, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (for short ‘IOC’) for the appointment of dealers for superior kerosene oil and light diesel oil (SKO-LDO). The appointment was reserved for women belonging to Scheduled Castes and was for Warisnagar, District Samastipur (Bihar).

4. Several applications appear to have been received in r