JUDGMENT :

V. Gopala Gowda, J.

Applications for intervention are allowed.

2. Leave granted.

3. The present appeals arise out of the impugned judgment and order dated 12.09.2013 passed by the High Court of Judicature of Andhra Pradesh at Hyderabad in W.A. Nos. 1573-1575 of 2013, whereby the Division Bench of the High Court upheld the order of the learned single Judge, wherein it was held that the respondents are entitled to get their licenses renewed under the Catering Policy, 2010.

4. The relevant facts which are required for us to appreciate the rival legal contentions advanced on behalf of the parties are stated in brief hereunder:-

Respondents before us are the South Central Railway Caterers, Dry Fruits, Fruit Juice Stalls Welfare Association, (hereinafter referred to as “the Welfare Association”). The members of the Welfare Association were granted licenses for running General Minor Units or Special Minor Units in Categories “A”, “B” and “C” Railway Stations. These licenses were granted in favour of the members of the respondents prior to the creation of the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (hereinafter referred to as “IRCTC”) under the Catering Policy, 2005.