GOPAL RAO EKBOTE, C. J.

( 1 ) THIS batch of writ petitions raised common questions. They can therefore be dispossed of by a common order.

( 2 ) THE facts lie in a narrow compass and are not in all in dispute.

( 3 ) ON 12-4-1972 the Collector, Hyderabad District nominated in all 120 businessman for allotment of fair price shops to be opened by them in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The said persons were directed to deposit Rs. 1,000. 00 each in the form of National Savings Certificates and to execute agreements and to complete other formalities.

( 4 ) THE petitioners are some of the persons who were nominated as above by the Collector. They deposited Rupees 1,000/- each, executed agreements, obtained licences and are alleged to have taken mulgies on rent for opening the shops. Some clerks are also alleged to have been engaged by some of them. Ration cards were, however, not registered. The Government had not given their consent nor approved of them for the purpose of allotting sugar quota to them.

( 5 ) ON the other hand on 25-4-1972 the Minister concerned took the view that in the cities more fair price shops are not required and in view of the quota of sugar allotted t

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