KARMA ENTERPRISES AND ANR. Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. I. Choudhury, learned Sr. counsel appearing for the writ petitioners. I have also heard Ms. M. Bhattacharjee, learned Govt. Advocate, Assam appearing for the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 and Mr. A. Chaliha, learned standing counsel, Finance Department representing respondent No. 3.

(2.) It appears that the writ petitioners herein had executed the work of supply of training materials (tool kits) for the year 2015-16 under the respondent No. 1 based on a formal work order dated 03-03-2016 issued by the respondent No. 2 under memo No. DTGW/DEV/40/2014-15/70 and thereafter, submitted bills amounting to Rs. 60,78,600/-. Despite several representations made by the petitioners requesting for early payment of the outstanding dues, when no action was taken in the matter, the petitioners were compelled to approach this Court by filing the present writ petition seeking a direction for payment of the outstanding dues.

(3.) By referring to the materials available on record, more particularly, the counter- affidavit filed by the respondent No. 1, Mr. Choudhury submits that execution of the work or entitlement of the amount claimed by the writ petitioners is not in dispute. Notwithstanding the same, the respondents have failed either to make payment or to offer any viable explanation for withholding the admitted dues of the petitioners till date even after deducting taxes at source on the aforesaid amount.