SC declines to stay HC judgement on A H Wheelers' license

New Delhi, July 10 (UNI) The Supreme Court today refused to stay the Allahabad High Court judgment quashing the new policy of the Railway Ministry not renewing the licence of A H Wheelers Ltd, a firm operating book stalls on railway stations since 1877.

A bench comprising Mr Justice K G Balakrishanan and Mr Justice D K Jain, however, admitted the appeal filed by the Union government against the High Court judgment.

A H Wheelers was permitted to operate book stalls on all 258 railway stations on payment of royalties for the year 2003-2004.

In the year 2002, it contributed Rs 1.38 crores out of the total royalty of Rs 1.66 crores received by the railways.

However, the UPA government -- within four months of its taking over in 2004 -- decided to do away with the policy of renewing the licence and decided to invite tenders for allotment of book stalls in railway stations. Railway Minister Lalu Prasad made several statements on the floor of Parliament regarding the status enjoyed by the Wheelers, after taking over as minister.

A commercial circular in the regard was promulgated on October 12, 2004, which was challenged by A H Wheelers in the Allahabad High Court. The High Court quashed the order.

UNI AKS/SC VD BST1911