SATYENDRA SINGH Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner is a Government Contractor and he seeks a direction to the concerned authorities for payment of certain contractual dues. According to the petitioner, he was asked to do the flood -fighting work between 4.1 to 5.5. kilometer of Bagmati Bandh by the Executive Engineer, Bagmati Division, Circle -1, Sitamarhi by his letter no. 1245 dated 7.8.2002 (Annexure -1). The estimated cost of the work was Rs. ,96,334/ -. It is stated by the petitioner that he completed the work in time but the amount remains unpaid to him. He, therefore, seeks a direction to the concerned authorities for payment of the aforesaid amount along with interest to him.

(2.) As the matter relates to claim of contractual dues, I am not inclined to pass any positive order at this stage. This writ petition is disposed of with the observation that the petitioner may agitate his claim by filing a representation along with a copy of this order before the Commissioner -cum -Secretary, Department of Irrigation, Govt. of Bihar. In case such a representation is filed within fifteen days from today, the Commissioner -cum -Secretary shall have the claim duly examined so as to pass an order on the claim of the petitioner within two months from the date of submission of the representation. In case the claim of the petitioner is upheld either wholly or in part, the Commissioner -cum -Secretary shall also take steps for payment of the admitted dues without any further delay preferably within two weeks from the date of passing of the order. In case, however, the claim of the petitioner is rejected, the Commissioner - cum -Secretary shall pass a speaking order briefly assigning the grounds for rejection.