JUDGMENT :

R. V. Raveendran, J.

The Indian Express in its issues dated 2nd to 5th August, 2002 carried news reports alleging irregularities in allotment of Retail Outlets, LPG distributorship and SKO-LDO dealerships, by selection of relatives/associates of political functionaries. Questions were also raised in the Parliament in regard to the alleged irregularities. In view of the said controversy, on a review on 5.8.2002, the Prime Minister of India directed the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to initiate steps to cancel all allotments made on the basis of recommendations of Dealer Selection Boards from January, 2000 till that date. In pursuance of it, a formal order dated 9.8.2002 was issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, cancelling all allotments made in regard to the retail outlets, LPG distributorship and SKO - LDO dealerships on the recommendations of the Dealer Selection Boards since 1.1.2000. The relevant portion of the said order reads thus:

"Having considered the facts and circumstances as also to ensure fair play in action, the Government in the public interest have now decided that all allotments made with respect to retail outlets. LPG