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SC stays Centre's decision to cancel petrol pumps allotment

This interim order will benefit 2248 existing dealerships and distributorships, the three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice B N Kripal, Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice Arijit Pasayat said.

Of the remaining 1298 cases in which only a Letter of Intent had been issued, the 463 who had commenced operations would be allowed to go ahead with their business as per their original contract with the oil companies.

The apex court has fixed November 12 for the final hearing.

Referring to Additional Solicitor General Kirit Raval's contention that the government had taken the decision to cancel the 3546 (2248+1298) allotments after due deliberation, the bench asked what prevented the government from issuing advance notices to the persons who would be affected.

The court said Wednesday's interim order will supercede all interim orders passed by high courts and subordinate courts across the country in this regard.

The bench also said proceedings in all other petitions pending before various courts would remain stayed as long as the apex court is seized of the matter.

Some of these cases - five from the Delhi high court, three from Rajasthan high court, one each from the Madhya Pradesh high court's Gwalior bench, Bombay high court and Gujarat high court - were transferred to the apex court.

Incidentally, Chief Justice Kirpal is to retire on November 12.

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3718 petrol pumps, LPG agencies to be cancelled

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