JUDGMENT :

1. By this writ-application under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the writ-applicant has prayed for the following reliefs :

“(a) Quash and set aside the termination of the letter of intent awarded to the petitioner, dated 19th July 2019 on the ground that it is arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of the principles of fairness and public policy;

(b) Issue a writ of mandamus, directing the respondent to extend the petitioner’s LOI till 31st December 2019 or any such period as the Hon’ble Court deems fit;

(c) Pending hearing and final disposal restrain the respondent from issuing a fresh tender/bid and/or issuing the Letter of Intent for the development of the Nargol Port or any part thereof to any other party;

(d) Ex-parte ad-interim relief in terms of prayer (c) above may kindly be granted;

(e) Pass such other and further reliefs as may be deemed just and proper in the interest of justice.”

2. The facts giving rise to this writ-application may be summarised as under :

2.1 On 21st April 2011, a request for proposal was issued by the Gujarat Maritime Board to develop a