1. In October, 1965, a number of routes in Meerut and Bareilly Regions were amalgamated and an inter - regional route Meerut - MowanaMiranpur - Bijnor - Lawan - Ph - alauda Khatauli was created. One Ganga Saran held a permanent stage carriage permit on the said route which was to expire on 11-101967. On 24-7-1967 he applied for renewal of his permit. On 19-8-1967 the appellant Mithan Lal made an application for grant of a permanent stage carriage permit on the aforesaid route. The renewal application of Ganga Saran and the application of Mithan Lal were published in the U. P. Gazette dated 23-9-1967 inviting objections. On 13-10-1967 Mithan Lal filed objections to the renewal application of Ganga Saran. Objections were filed by other persons also to the renewal application of Ganga Saran. The Regional Transport Authority considered the renewal application of Ganga Saran and by its order dated May 8/10, 1968, rejected the objections and renewed Ganga Saran's permit. Mithan Lal's application for grant of a permit in his favour was rejected, Mithan Lal preferred an appeal before the State Transport Appellate Tribunal, U. P. (hereinafter referred to as the Tribunal). During the pendenc