JUDGMENT

ALEXANDER THOMAS, J.

The afore captioned writ appeal is directed against the impugned judgment dated 18.02.2019 rendered by the learned Single Judge, dismissing the instant writ petition, WP(C)

No.24456/2011.

2. The appellant herein is the petitioner in the writ petition. The respondents herein are the respondents in the writ petition.

3. Heard Sri.C.S.Manu, learned counsel appearing for the appellant/writ petitioner; Sri.Saigy Jacob Palatty, learned Senior Government Pleader appearing for respondents 1 to 6 & 8; and Sri.P.S.Govind, learned counsel for respondents 9 & 10, who are the legal heirs of deceased 7th respondent.

4. The 7th respondent has already been deleted from the respondent array as per order dated 17.01.2022 as he is no more.

5. Brief of the factual case is that the original 7th respondent (Sri.A.M.Chacko), by authorizing the appellant herein, Sri.S.S.Murari, on the basis of the former's power of attorney as per Ext.P1 dated 14.03.2000 executed in favour of the latter, had bid for securing the privilege to conduct Toddy Shop Nos. 27 to 52 for the financial year, 2000-01, of Varkala Excise Range. The bid was finalized in favour of the above said parties for an annu