( 1 ) BASICALLY, the cancellations of contracts subject to continuing certain works are challenged in these writ petitions. By an executive order government resolved to build 1,75,000 houses in rural areas of the State and 30,000 houses in urban areas; in addition 30,000 houses were to be put up in Bangalore urban area. This scheme is referred to as 'ashraya Scheme', under the order dated 4-11-1991. Houses were also to be constructed under another scheme referred to as 'dr. B. R. Ambedkar Centenary Celebrations Memorial Scheme'. The Government entrusted the responsibility of constructing these houses with the Karnataka Housing Board (referred to as 'the Board' ). These houses were to be allotted to those belonging to economically weaker sections; the houses were to cost Rs. 15,000/- each in rural areas and Rs. 16,000/- in urban areas. In response to the Board's invitation, 265 applicants were received from the contractors; out of them 13 persons were selected. Petitioner in WP No. 10895/93 received a letter of intent dated 7-11-1992 calling upon the petitioner to enter into a contract in Soraba Assembly Constituency. Work order was issued on 21-12-1992 to execute the