THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND ORS. Vs. DORA INFRASTRUCTURES & PROPERTIES (P) LTD. AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) SINCE common issues arise for consideration in these appeals, those are decided together.

(2.) WA 1996/2014 is filed by the State and its authorities challenging an interim order dated 4/7/2014 in WP(C) No. 15536/2014 and order dated 23/10/2014 in RP No. 565/14. The writ petition is filed by the 1st respondent herein inter alia alleging that after having awarded several contracts by the Government authorities, though the bill amounts/part bill amounts were admitted, payments were not being made. Hence, the petitioner has approached this Court seeking for a direction to disburse the admitted amount of Rs. 3,47,96,433/ - as per Ext. P12 and Rs. 1,87,00,000/ - as per Ext. P14. Learned Single Judge by interim order dated 4/7/2014 while admitting the writ petition directed the 1st appellant to pay the admitted amount in terms with Exts. P12 and P14 to the petitioner within a period of one month. The 2nd appellant thereafter having filed a statement sought for review of the said interim order inter alia contending that the amounts could be disbursed only on priority basis and the said right of the Government to maintain a seniority list for disbursement of amount due to contractors has been upheld by this Court. Learned Single Judge, however, after considering the contentions urged in the review petition, dismissed the same.

(3.) HEARD the learned senior Government Pleader Smt. Girija Gopal appearing for State and its authorities, Smt. Vaheeda Babu appearing on behalf of the appellant in WA No. 148/15 and Sri. Philip J. Vettickattu appearing on behalf of the 1st respondent in WA No. 1996/14.