SIMPLEX INFRASTRUCTURES LIMITED Vs. OIL INDIA LIMITED

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. S. Choudhury, the learned Senior Counsel assisted by Mr. T. Bose, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner. Mr. D. Saikia, the learned Senior Counsel assisted by Mr. P. Nayak, the learned counsel appears on behalf of the respondents.

(2.) The petitioner herein has approached this Court challenging the termination of the contract bearing No. 6119345/ CD G35-26P24/ DRLG/24 vide the termination notice dtd. 9/6/2025 as well as the subsequent communication dtd. 18/6/2025, whereby the petitioner has been asked to vacate the drilling site with immediate effect. MATERIAL FACTS ON THE BASIS OF PLEADING

(3.) The case of the petitioner herein is that an E-Tender bearing No. CDG3526P24 dtd. 23/5/2023 was floated inviting competent and experienced contractors for Charter Hire of 5 (five) numbers of 2000 HP (minimum) drilling rigs package. The petitioner participated in the said tender process and a Letter of Award (for short, "the L.O.A.") dtd. 12/3/2024 was issued in favour of the petitioner for Charter Hire of 1 (one) number of 2000 HP (minimum) drilling rig package at a total estimated contract value of Rs.222,52,44,000.00 for a duration of 4 (four) years. The petitioner was also directed to furnish a performance security for an amount of Rs.4,96,71,000.00 in the form of Bank Guarantee. The petitioner accepted the L.O.A. and furnished the cash security for a sum of Rs.4,96,71,000.00.