JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. A. C. Borbora, learned senior counsel assisted by Ms. N. Dey, learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner. Also heard Mr. V. K. Singh, learned Standing Counsel, FCI appearing for the respondents.

2. The writ petitioner herein is a private limited company and is engaged in transportation business. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) had issued a Notice Inviting E-tender (NIT) dated 11.06.2021 inter-alia, for awarding the contract of “Handling and Transportation Contract Ex-Rly Siding Salchapra to FSD Badarpurghat via Weighbridge including handling at FSD Badarpurghat”. The petitioner had participated in the competitive bidding process and had emerged as the successful bidder. Consequently, by issuing the order dated 08.11.2021, the petitioner was appointed as the handling and transport contractor, Ex-Rly Siding Salchapra to FSD Badarpurghat, at the rates quoted in the tender document. As per the terms and conditions of appointment, the contract would come to an end on 20.11.2023. Although, the petitioner company was awarded the transportation contract from Ex-Rly siding Salchapra to FSD Badarpurghat, yet, the work of handling was awarded only at the Badarpur