These appeals from the judgment of Rajagopala Ayyangar, J., arise out of four writ petitions, which were heard and disposed of by him on 25th November, 1959. They were heard together, because they related to the renewal of licences for conducting cinematograph shows in certain theatres in the City. W.A. No. 151 of 1959 is from the judgment so far as it concerns W.P. No. 1002 of 1959 and relates to the theatre known as Rajkumari Talkies. The other three appeals arising out of W.P. Nos. 969 to 971 of 1959 relate to another theatre called Murugan Talkies. There was another writ petition, W.P. No. 992 of 1959, which was also heard along with the other writ petitions; but there is no appeal before us in that petition.

The two petitioners are lessees of the two aforesaid theatres. The contesting respondents are the owners of the two theatres and the talkie equipment installed in them. Both the Board of Revenue and the Commissioner of Police were made parties to the petition, inasmuch as the relief sought was directed against the orders passed by them. Though the main point which is common to all the appeals, involves an interpretation of rule 13 of the Rules framed under