SHUBHAM SUNIL PORE Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule. Ms.Priyanka B. Chavan, learned Assistant Government Pleader waives service for respondent no.1-State and Mr.Gangan, learned counsel for respondent nos.2 and 3. By consent of the parties, the petition is heard finally.

(2.) By this petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner seeks to challenge the communication dtd. 23/6/2021 issued by respondent no.2 to the petitioner informing that respondent no.2 has decided to drop the advertised location 'On Satara-Pandharpur Road (NH548C) within 5 km from Mhaswad bus stand towards Pandharpur." Briefs facts :-

(3.) Respondent no.2 had issued a notice for appointment of Regular/Rural Retail Outlet (Petrol Pump) Dealerships. The applicants were to make online application by 24/12/2018. One of the locations prescribed for the said dealership was in District Satara 'On Satara-Pandharpur Road (NH548C) within 5 km from Mhaswad bus stand towards Pandharpur' and selection of the applicants were to be by a draw of lots. Pursuant to the said advertisement, the petitioner, on 8/12/2018, made an application for dealership at aforesaid location. On 14/6/2019, respondent no.2 informed the petitioner that he has been selected as per draw of lots for petrol pump dealership. Respondent no.2 also called upon the petitioner to submit various documents. The petitioner complied with the said requisition. However, on 1/9/2020, respondent no.2 informed the petitioner that on a visit of the site, it was found that the same is not meeting the required norms since land is not in advertised area. Therefore, the petitioner was informed about his ineligibility. The petitioner, thereafter, approached the Grievance Committee of respondent no.2 and the said Grievance Committee on 23/6/2021 informed the petitioner that they had dropped the advertised location 'On Satara-Pandharpur Road (NH548C) within 5 km from Mhaswad bus stand towards Pandharpur.' The reason given for dropping was that 1.5 km from Mhaswad bus stand falls on National Highway 548C but balance 3.5 km towards Pandharpur falls on National Highway 548E and therefore, there being an ambiguity in the advertisement, respondent no.2 decided to withdraw the said advertised location. It is on this backdrop, the petitioner is before us.