( 1 ) THIS group of Letters Patent Appeals has been preferred against the common order dated 15. 9. 2000, 19. 1. 2001 and 20. 1. 2001 passed by the learned Single Judge rejecting special civil applications filed by the wholesale dealers in essential commodity- kerosene. Notice was issued on the appeals and the learned counsel for the appellants and respondent State and its authorities were heard at length on the merits of the case. With their consent, the appeals are being finally decided by this common order.

( 2 ) ALL the appellants-petitioners who are wholesale dealers in essential commodity- kerosene are aggrieved by the impugned policy decision contained in the circulars of the State Government of Gujarat dated 30. 7. 1988, 4. 10. 1990, 3. 4. 1995, 6. 1. 1997, 29. 8. 1997, 22. 1. 1999, 5. 2. 2001 and 19. 6. 2001.

( 3 ) THE appellants are holding wholesale dealers licences for essential commodity- kerosene in accordance with the provisions of the Gujarat Essential Articles (Licensing, Control and Stock Declaration) Order,1981 which is issued in exercise of powers of the State of Gujarat delegated to it by the Central Government in accordance with section 5 r