JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. P. Mahanta, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr. I. Borthakur, learned Standing Counsel, Forest Department for respondent Nos. 1 to 4 and Mr. I. Choudhury, learned Senior Counsel assisted by Mr. S. Biswakarma, learned counsel for the respondent No. 5.

2. Brief facts of the case as projected by the petitioner is that he responded to an E-Auction Notice dated 02.03.2023 floated by the Divisional Forest Officer, North Kamrup Division, Rangia in respect of Item No. 3 i.e., N.KD-B-4 Khudnabari Mining Contract Area. The period of contract is for seven (7) years and the intending bidders are to deposit an earnest money of Rs. 20,51,000/-. According to the petitioner, although he submitted all the requisite materials that was required, his technical bid was rejected by the respondent authorities by giving five (5) grounds namely, (i) Provident Fund return not submitted (ii) Employee’s State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) return not submitted (iii) Bakijai Certificate not submitted (iv) Bid document digitally not signed (v) Facts and affidavit not submitted as per the format. Aggrieved, the petitioner is before this Court.

3. Mr. P. Mahanta, learned counsel for the petiti