T.N.K. Singh, J.

1. Heard Mr. B.P. Sahu, learned Counsel for the Petitioners, Mr. R.S. Reisang, learned GA for Respondent No. 1, Mr. N. Ibotombi, learned CGSC for Respondent No. 2, Mr. N. Jotendro Singh, learned Counsel for Respondent 3(i) and Mr. L. Sahashibhushan Singh, learned Counsel for Respondent No. 3(ii).

2. The following brief in short compass will suffice for deciding the present case. The State of Manipur is the landed lock State and the requirements of the State for various petroleum products depend solely on the petroleum products transported by the oil tankers through the National Highway No. 39. The requirement of various petroleum products, i.e. M.S. (Petrol), Kerosene, High Speed Diesel (HSC) and Aero Turbine Fuel (ATF), are so important that without these petroleum products day-to-day life of the residents of Manipur are seriously affected. As there is no railway in the State of Manipur, without diesel and petrol, there cannot be transportation of the essential goods and movement of vehicles shall come to standstill. That being so, the transportation of various petroleum products by the oil tankers from outside the State of Manipur is a matter of great publi