Auction or not to auction as a public policy challenge: lessons from the natural resources allocation case of supreme court

Abstract

Objective The objective of the project is to look at resource allocation based on the Supreme Court decision on the Presidential Reference of 2012 in the backdrop of the 2G case and analyze how it spans out in the business environment. Research Questions 1. What are the ways of allocation of a natural/governmental resource? 2. Are auctions always the best method for resource allocation? 3. What methods, apart from auctions, can be used for the allocation of a natural resource? What should be the guiding principles behind an allocation? 4. What is the permissible scope for interference by courts with policymaking by the Government including methods for disposal of natural resources? Scope 1. To analyze the Supreme Court judgment passed in September 2012 which states that auction should not be the sole method for allocating natural resources, but one of the several methods available and that it is up to the government to decide the best method which serves the common good. 2. To analyze how this judgment can pan out in the business environment for other sectors. Outcomes • Key takeaways on allocation of natural resources from the Supreme Court decision. • An analysis of different methods of resource allocation, the guiding principles behind them, and their effect on the business environment. Methodology/analytical framework We have uses Case Study method under qualitative research as a methodology for this study. Creswell (2007) states a case study research involves the study of an issue explored through one or more case within a bounded system. He further conveys that this is a methodology, a type of design in qualitative research, or an object of study, as well as a product of the inquiry. Case studies, generally, focuses on one specific phenomenon. Our study will use the Supreme Court case as a base document to analyze one specific case.