SAINT TRAVEL SERVICES Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner is engaged in providing services as a travel agent and has filed the present petition impugning an Office Memorandum dated 24.03.2006 which restricts the officers of respondent no.1 to only utilize the services of M/s Balmer Lawrie and Company (hereafter 'Balmer Lawrie') and M/s Ashok Travels and Tours (hereafter 'Ashok Travels'), as travel agents. The relevant extract of the Office Memorandum dated 24.03.2006 is quoted below: -

(2.) IT is contended that the petitioner offers similar services and the action of the respondents in restricting availing only the services of Balmer Lawrie and Ashok Travels, is discriminatory and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

(3.) THE Office Memorandum dated 24.03.2006 was superseded by an Office Memorandum dated 16.09.2010. The said Office Memorandum is quoted below: -