JUDGMENT

Sanjay K. Agrawal, J. - The petitioner herein, who is a company registered under the provisions of the Indian Companies Act, 1956 and engaged in coal loading and removing of overburden work, has called in question legality, validity and correctness of the impugned order dated 26.2.2019 (Annexure P/1) passed by respondent No.3 herein, by which Letter of Intent (LOI) dated 2.5.2018 issued in its favour for work of Hiring of HEMM for OB removal including Access Trench & diversion of nallah at Jagannathpur OCM, Bhatgaon Area has been cancelled and earnest money deposit amounting to Rs. 50,00,000/- has been forfeited and eventually the petitioner herein has been debarred from participating in future bids for a period of 24 months and fresh tender for said work has been floated at the risk and cost of the petitioner herein.

2. The Central Government under the provisions of the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957 (hereinafter called as "the Act of 1957") after issuance of notification under Sections 8 to 11 of the Act of 1957 acquired 662.151 hectares of land at village Jagannathpur, Tahsil Pratappur, District Surguja for open cast project of SECL at Bhatgao