ORDER :

Heard learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Government Pleader for Irrigation appearing for respondent Nos.1, 3, 5, 7 and 8, and learned Assistant Government Pleader for Panchayat Raj appearing for respondent Nos.2, 4, 6 and 9.

2. In brief, the case of the petitioner is that he has been undertaking contract works as Class-I Contractor since 1999. Pursuant to tender notice dated 04.03.2008 issued by the 7th respondent for execution of the work i.e., Somasila Project - Kavali Canal – closing of breach and construction of additional surplus weirs, construction of two sluices and restoration of tank bund of Chinna Craca Balancing Reservoir, with an estimated cost of Rs.7,88,36,331/-, the petitioner submitted his tender within the stipulated period along with the requisite documents and certificates and paid EMD amount. Thereafter, the 7th respondent sent the technical bids of all the contractors to the 6th respondent for finalization and confirmation. Ultimately, the 6th respondent finalized and confirmed the tender in favour of one N. Ramesh Kumar. Subsequently, the 7th respondent issued a notice dated 23.06.2008 to the petitioner stating that the Invoice dated 26.10.1999