JUDGMENT

SANDEEP K.SHINDE,J. - Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith. With Rane consent of the parties, Petition is taken up for final hearing.

2. This Petition, under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, challenges the communication dtd. 1/7/2021, issued by the Head of Divisional Office, Nagpur Divisional Office, Indian Oil Corporation Limited ( IOCL , for short). By which, the candidature of the " " Petitioner for Retail Outlet Dealership on National Highway -6 from Nagpur to Raipur between KM Stone 458 to 468 in Group-I, was declared ineligible and petitioner has been placed in Group-3, as per guidelines.

3. The respondents in their reply have explained their policy as to the dealership of Retail Outlets. In terms of it, dealership of Retail Outlets are of three categories; namely Group-1; consisting of candidates having ownership of land; Group-2-consisting of candidates having firm offer , of land; and Group-3-consisting of " " candidates not having any land. As such, candidates in Group-1, are given a priority over Group-2 and Group-3 candidates and candidates in Group-2 are given a priority over Group-3 candidates. The Petitioner, in pursuant to notice/advertisem