( 1 ) OUR task in these writ petitions is rendered easier byunion of India admitting through its counter-affidavit that no norms or guidelines were followed while making the impugned allotments. In these days ofrumours and alleged scandles the forthnight stand taken by Union of India issingularly welcome. Admission of a mistake creates hope for future. It hasfreshness of Rajnigandha as the name of one of the petitioner societies suggests.

( 2 ) THERE is prime land, about 70 acres, in the heart of South Delhi,covering part of Andrews Ganj and Sadiq Nagar. About 27 acres of land areallotted by the Union of India to nine respondent Cooperative Group Housingsocieties on 31. 3. 1986. Within short period of about eight-ten days the allotment letters were sent, the premium amount was paid and physical possessionwas given to the Societies. These petitions, filed by the other Cooperativesocieties challenge legality and properiety of the allotments of the nine societies. Apart from Union of India, the then Minister of Works and Housing and somesenior officials of the said Ministry have been joined personally as respondentsin the writ petitions. Broadly, the complaint of the peti