ORDER :

1. W.P. (C) No. 3809 of 2021 has been filed for issuance of direction upon the respondent authorities to refund the proportionate amount of security deposit of Rs. 2,17,004/- and 40% of the highest bid amount deposited by the petitioner as earnest money for three financial years i.e. 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 amounting to Rs. 8,68,052/- total Rs. 10,85,056/- with respect to ‘Vade Sand Ghat Mining Project’ on Geruwa River, situated over plot No. 78, at Village Vade in the District of Godda, measuring an area of 10.27 acres. Further prayer has been made for issuance of direction upon the respondent authorities to make payment of interest @ 18% per annum on the amount refundable to the petitioner towards proportionate security deposit and 40% of the highest bid amount from the date of deposit till the date of actual payment. The petitioner has also prayed for quashing and setting aside the order as contained in letter No. 1434/M, dated 03.12.2016 issued by Deputy Commissioner, Godda-respondent No. 3, whereby settlement of the Vade Sand Ghat made in favour of the petitioner has been cancelled by forfeiting the security deposit and 40% of the highest bid amount deposited by it