THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.23263 of 2009 ORDER: The petitioners are licensees, in respect of different stalls at various stations of South Central Railway, for the past several years. Earlier, the stalls were under the administrative control of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation. With effect from 2007, they have been brought under the control of General Administration of the Railways. Though the term of the licence of the petitioners expired, it has been extended from time to time, and finally up to 31.01.2010. The petitioners state that the respondents have taken a policy decision to extend the licence of this nature up to 31.03.2010, and still tender notice was issued inviting tenders for grant of fresh licence, for these stalls. Another grievance of the petitioners is about the reservation of some stalls in favour of Scheduled Caste candidates. The respondents filed a detailed counter-affidavit. It is stated that once the term of the petitioners expired, they do not have any fundamental right to insist on extension of the same. It is also stated that the stalls were reserved in favour of the SC candidates, by drawing lots, and this procedure is in vogue, all over India, for the last several years. Heard Ms.Anjali Agarwal, learned counsel for the petitioners, and Sri T.S.Venkataramana, learned Standing Counsel for the South Central Railway. The grievance of the petitioners is two-fold, viz., the denial of renewal licence up to 31.03.2010 and selection of shops for reservation. So far as the first aspect is concerned, it is evident from the letter, dated 31.01.2008, addressed by the Chief Commercial Manager, that the licences, in respect of the existing curio stalls, are extended up to 31.03.2010. The South Central Railway itself issued proceedings, on 08.06.2009, in favour of one Mr.Gopal Miscellaneous Stall Contractor, Hyderabad Railway Station. It is not in dispute that the licences of the petitioners were extended up to 31.01.2010, and the difference is only about two months. No prejudice would be caused to the respondents, in case the licences of the petitioners are extended up to 31.03.2010. On the other hand, it would bring about uniformity. So far as the selection of the stalls for reservation in favour SC candidates is concerned, the respondents have been following the existing policy for the past several years i.e. by drawal of lots. The same is not in direct challenge, in this writ petition. The occasion to examine the legality, of that policy would arise, if only it is put in a specific issue. The petitioners contend that, in respect of stalls, that were notified in respect of SC candidates, no tenders were received. It is not for this Court to indicate as to what consequences must flow out of the situation. Much would depend upon the further decision, that the respondents may take in future. Hence, the Writ Petition is disposed of, directing that the licence existing in favour of the petitioners shall be extended up to 31.03.2010. The process of inviting tenders, which was initiated through notification, dated 15.10.2009, can be proceeded with as per schedule, except that the selected candidate shall be put in possession of the stalls, for which the petitioners are licensees, with effect from 01.04.2010. The petitioners shall vacate the stalls by that date, unless they emerge as highest bidders, for those very stalls. There shall be no order as to costs. _____________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dt.21-12-2009. GJ