( 1 ) BY way of this petition, the petitioner seeks quashing of impugned order dated 14. 10. 1996. A restraint is also sought against the respondents from acting in pursuance to the impugned order dated 14. 10. 1996. A direction is also soughtagainst the respondents to restore the status quoante as before 14. 10. 1996 with regard to status of the petitioner as contractor with the respondents in connection with execution of the works of the respondents and allow him to tender and execute the public work.

( 2 ) BRIEFLY stated facts of this case are that petitioner was registered as Class-III contractor with Delhi Water Supply and Sewerage Disposal Undertaking (hereinafter called as said Undertaking) since 1970. The said undertaking was one of the constituents /undertaking of Municipal Corporation of Delhi, statutory authority constituted under Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. All rights, liabilities, staff, assets, orders, notifications, bye-laws, functions etc. of the said undertaking were transferred to and taken over by Delhi Jal Board, constituted under Section 4 of the Delhi Jal Board Act, 1998 w. e. f. 6. 4. 1998. Thus, the Delhi Jal Board is liable and respo