1. The writ petitioners are asking for a direction to pay/release the undisputed security deposit for the works deposited with the respondents to them. I have heard Mr. M. Devananda Singh, learned counsel for the petitioners, Mr. N. Ibotombi Singh, learned counsel for the respondents 3 and 4 as well as Mr. S. Suresh, learned Jr. G.A. to the learned A.G., Manipur appearing for the respondents 1 and 2.

2. The simple case of the writ petitioners is that they are the contractors and they had entered into agreements for execution of different contract works of the Govt. of Manipur. The Agreements between the contractors, i.e. the writ petitioners and the respondents were in the prescribed format for Agreement between the Contractor and Central Govt. mentioned in the CPWD Mannual. Rule 273 of the GFR speaks about the requirement of security deposit with subject to any general or special instructions prescribed by the Govt. in its behalf, a private person or a farm, contracting with the Govt. to supply or to execute on work, shall, unless exempted by orders issued with the prior consent of the Finance Ministry, be required to furnish security for due fulfillment of the contract. In all the

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