Pathak, C. J. I - (1.) -This petition under Art. 32 of the Constitution has been filed by two petitioners, the Assam Rifles Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited and Major General A.S. Guraya, AVSM (Retd.), Vice-Chairman of the said Co-operative Society. It is stated in this petition that on the north-eastern extremity of India, between latitudes 270N. and 280N. and on both sides of longitude 970E., within the former Tirup District in the NEFA area (now in Arunachal Pradesh) lies substantial territory which is a part of India. It is claimed that Major General Guraya as Inspector General Assam Rifles prepared a programme for settling retired defence personnel, specially of the Assam Rifles, in that region and took preparatory steps for effecting such settlement. It is asserted that about two hundred retired personnel with their families journeyed to the region and settled there on the basis of a scheme approved by the Government of India. It is alleged that the scheme assured allotment of land, grant of title deeds in respect of the allotted land, facilities for movement by air to and from Mohanbari, freedom to develop the allotted areas, grant of advance by way of loans, provision of marketing facilities for disposal of surplus produce, guaranteed supply of essential commodities and provision of the basic requirements of life for the purpose of encouraging the all round economic development of the area. The Co-operative Society was formed with the object of ameliorating the conditions of the settlers and for improving their economic lot. The petitioners relied on correspondence exchanged between them and the authorities of the State Government and of the Central Government and prayed for directions from this Court to the respondent for grant of the reliefs indicated in the writ petition.
(2.) Counter-affidavits have been filed by the Government of India. Most of the allegations made by the petitioners have been denied. It is asserted that funds have been set apart and basic facilities have been provided. It is alleged that land was not allotted to Major Gen. Guraya as he did not belong to the Assam Rifles and the scheme for rehabilltation of retired personnel from that unit did not cover him. It is alleged that he has engineered this writ petition.
(3.) We may mention at the very outset that Major General Guraya, who appears in person before us, has categorically stated that he is not interested any more in any personal allotment.;