V. PURUSHOTHAM RAO vs U.O.I. .

The Supreme Court upheld the Delhi High Court's decision to cancel the allotments of petroleum and LPG dealerships made by the Minister of Petroleum, finding them arbitrary and mala fide. The Court emphasized the need for guidelines to regulate discretionary allotments, referencing Article 14 of the Constitution to ensure non-arbitrariness in administrative actions. The Court directed the Minister to explain why criminal proceedings should not be initiated against him for breach of trust, thereby reinforcing accountability in public office.