( 1 ) THIS order will dispose of C. W. Ps. 2372/81, 1704/82. 250/1983 and 2100/83, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking appropriate writs, orders or directions. The petitions raise the question, mainly on the ground of promissory estoppel of the legality of the policy decision of the Government in dropping a scheme for allotment of land in Delhi to non-resident Indians living abroad to build residential houses in Delhi.

( 2 ) THE objective of the scheme which was announced by the Government in early 1978, was to facilitate non-resident Indians living abroad to build residential houses in India and thus to satisfy their natural urge to own property in their own country and to settle down therein whenever they wished to do so. It was felt that it was difficult for such persons living abroad to acquire properties through Government auctions or private dealers and, therefore, it was decided to frame the scheme which would facilitate this. The scheme was introduced in Delhi on an experimental basis. A non-resident Indian living abroad who does not own a residential plot of land/ house/ flat either in his/her name or in the name of his/her family membe