NATESAN, J. :- The two writ petitions under Article 226 of the Constitution and the connected Writ Appeal directed against an interlocutory order in W. P. No. 1055 of 1968 vacating the interim stay granted before notice, relate to the grant of a stage carriage permit on the route Madampoondi to Ulundurpet (Via) La-Gudalur, Rishivandiam, etc. By a notification dated 16-12-1967, the Regional Transport Authority, South Arcot, under Section 57 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, invited applications for the grant of a stage carriage permit on the route. There were three applicants, for the route in question, the 2nd respondent in the writ petitions being one. On 12-1-1968 the applications were duly notified under Section 57 (3) and 8-2-1968 was fixed as the date, on or before which representations in connection with the applications should be submitted furnishing copies thereof simultaneously to the applicants. The applications with representations were originally scheduled to be taken up for consideration on 29-2-1968, but were adjourned to 12-3-1968.

The petitioner is a fleet owner operating 12 buses on a sector of the route in question. No representations or objections to the app