Heard Mr. D. Saikia, learned senior counsel for the petitioners. Also heard Mr. Mr. M.K. Choudhury, learned senior standing counsel, Indian Oil Corporation, appearing for the respondent Nos.2 to 4 in WP(C) No.7420/2016 and for respondent Nos.2 to 6 in WP(C) No.7900/2016 as well as the learned Central Government counsel, appearing for the respondent No.1 in both the writ petitions.

2. The 2(two) writ petitions being connected, are listed together and as agreed to by the learned counsel appearing for the parties, they are taken up for disposal at the admission stage.

3. In WP(C) No.7420/2016, affidavit was filed by the respondent Nos.2, 3 & 4 and reply to the said affidavit had also been filed. The petitioner Nos.1 to 12 in both the writ petitions are same. In addition, in WP(C) No.7900/2016, there is an additional petitioner.

4. The pleaded case of the petitioners are that they are 2(two) types of registered Contractors under the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (for short, “IOCL”), viz. (i) Zonal Contractors and (ii) Empanelled Contractors. The Zonal Contractors are those who are allotted works up to Rs.30 Lacs and the Empanelled Contractors are those who are allotted