Key Points: - The Collector's prior approval is mandatory under Section 157-A for transfers by Bhumidhar/Asami from Scheduled Castes to non-Scheduled Castes; absence of such approval affects eligibility (p_8, p_14) (!) (!) - A lease deed executed without prior Collector approval cannot be treated as valid transfer under Section 157-A for purposes of land/land infrastructure scoring (p_13, p_14) (!) (!) - The case held that lease of land belonging to a Scheduled Caste person to a non-Scheduled Caste without Collector approval is not permissible, affecting eligibility in the IOC retail outlet advertisement (p_7, p_9, p_14) (!) (!) (!) - The judgment clarifies that Section 157-A applies to transfer by sale, gift, mortgage, or lease, not limited to agricultural land, requiring prior Collector approval (p_8, p_11) (!) (!) - The petition was dismissed; no interference due to lack of required approval (p_15) (!)

What is required for transfer or lease of land by a member of a Scheduled Caste under UP Zamindari and Land Reforms Act, 1950, Section 157-A?

What is the consequence of the Collector not granting prior approval under Section 157-A before execution of a lease deed?

What are the grounds on which marks/considerations for land and infrastructure can be denied in a retail outlet advertisement case when land belongs to a Scheduled Caste?