Case Note & Summary
The dispute arose from the petitioner's application for the allotment of a 'Maruti Car 800', which was mistakenly processed as a request for a 'Maruti Truck' due to a computer error. Upon recognizing the error, the respondents agreed to consider the petitioner's case for allotment from the discretionary quota of 5%. The petitioner challenged the classification of allotment categories as arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court, after hearing arguments from both sides, determined that the allotment of Maruti vehicles should be regulated by specific guidelines to ensure fairness and public interest. The court outlined categories eligible for allotment, including organizations defined as 'State' under Article 12, charitable institutions, individuals with disabilities, and various public officials. The court emphasized that no resale of the vehicles would be allowed for three years, and allotments would be made on a first-come, first-served basis. The guidelines were set to be reviewed after three years, and the court left open various contentions raised by the parties, vacating all general interim orders while allowing deliveries made under interim orders to stand.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Article 14 - Discretionary Allotment - Allotment of Maruti vehicles from the discretionary quota must adhere to guidelines ensuring fairness and public interest - Constitution of India, Article 14 - The court established that the allotment process must be regulated by specific guidelines to prevent arbitrary classifications and ensure equitable distribution among eligible categories. Held that the guidelines would be in force for three years and subject to review (Paras 586-589).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the method of allotment of Maruti Cars from the discretionary quota violated Article 14 of the Constitution.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court upheld the guidelines for the allotment of Maruti vehicles from the discretionary quota, ensuring that the process adhered to principles of fairness and public interest. The guidelines were to be in force for three years and subject to review, with specific conditions regarding resale and allotment procedures.
Law Points
- Article 14
- discretionary quota
- public interest
- guidelines for allotment
- equality before law
