The petitioners are legal heirs and successors of late Amrendra Kumar who was a qualified Engineer and Contractor. Late Amrendra Kumar was awarded work for construction of Neem Bani No. 1 Scheme (Earthen Dam) within Raneshwar Block, Dumka. After the negotiation the work was awarded @ 9% higher to the estimated cost and accordingly, agreement no. 37 F2 was entered between the parties. Late Amrendra Kumar started work on 16.02.1986 which was to be completed by 15.08.1986 however, certain additional work was executed by the contractor and subsequently, a dispute for payment of Rs. 2,39,571.36 arose. Late Amrendra Kumar made representation to the authorities and the Deputy Secretary, Minor Irrigation, Bihar directed the Superintending Engineer to furnish response to the representation of late Amrendra Kumar. Several communications were exchanged, in the meantime, between late Amrendra Kumar and different authorities of the Government of Bihar for payment of dues with interest @ 16% per annum which was calculated at Rs. 23,56,386/till 16.01.2002. Earlier, notice dated 29.03.1988 under Section 80 C.P.C. was issued to the Deputy Commissioner, Dumka and other authorities. Finally, l