1. By a petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, the petitioners claimed a writ of mandamus directing the respondents State of Madhya Pradesh and the Conservator of Forests, Jabalpur to dispose of the forest produce (Harra) to the highest tenderer in accordance with the terms of tender notice and not to sell the same to respondent No.3. M.P. Rajya Adiwasi Sahkari Vikas Sangh, Maryadit, Mandla Branch, Mandla.

2. Held : It was contended that the doctrine of promissory estoppel applies to the present case and the State Government having once decided to sell the forest produce by inviting tenders, could not change the aforesaid decision particularly when a notification inviting tenders was already issued and the petitioners have submitted tenders in response to the said notification. In the opinion of this Court, in the facts and circumstances of the present case, there is no basis for applying the doctrine of promissory estoppel In the tender notice, it has been specifically stated that the State Government reserves its rights to refuse or accept any tender without assigning any reason. The forest produce in question undisputedly belongs to the Stat