VIKLAD COAL MERCHANT, PATIALA, ETC. ETC. vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court examined the validity of the Preferential Traffic Schedule issued under Section 27A of the Indian Railways Act, 1890, in relation to Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to carry on trade. The Court held that the restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Railways were not reasonable and violated the rights of traders, as they disproportionately affected the coal trade by limiting booking options. Consequently, the Court declared the orders issued by the Ministry of Railways as ultra vires and unconstitutional.