SODAN SINGH vs N.D.M.C. & OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that the NDMC cannot arbitrarily deny an eligible squatter's application for change of trade from tea to garments, as long as the new trade is permissible. The Court emphasized that the right to carry on trade cannot be controlled solely by the NDMC's discretion, especially in the absence of a law under Article 19(6). The Court directed the NDMC to permit the change of trade, reinforcing that any denial must be subject to lawful conditions and the principles established in previous cases.