FIDA KARIM vs STATE OF BIHAR .

The Supreme Court upheld the Bihar Government's decision to change its liquor licensing policy from a five-year settlement to an auction-cum-tender method, ruling that Sections 42 and 43 of the Bihar Excise Act were inapplicable. The Court found that the government had the authority to alter its policy, which was necessary to prevent monopolistic tendencies and protect revenue interests. The appellants' claims of promissory estoppel and violation of Article 14 were dismissed, affirming the government's right to modify licensing terms in the public interest.