M.H.S. Ansari, J. - (1.) The petitioners who are two in numbers have filed this application claiming, inter alia, for issuance of a writ of or in the nature of mandamus directing the respondents not to give any effect to the appointment in respect of dealers/distributors of petroleum products for the locations mentioned in Annexure 'A' thereto as the time limit of 150 days specified therefor already expired.
(2.) The basic fact of the matter is not in dispute.
(3.) An advertisement was issued by Oil Companies inviting application for appointment of dealers. When the said advertisements were issued, the petitioners were minors and as such were not eligible to apply therefor. According to the petitioners, as the Central Government has issued a guideline that such appointment should be made within a period of 165 days, it is obligatory on the part of the respondent to issue fresh advertisement so as to enable the petitioners to participate therein.;