In all the above writ petitions, the petitioners have challenged the order of the respondent dated 12-3-1998 under which the bid amounts of the petitioners were rejected.

2. The petitioners pursuant to the notification in the newspaper dated 19-12-1997 of the respondent, calling for tenders proposing to purchase the commercial plots at Pallikkaranai Site and Service Scheme adjoining the Velachery - Tambaram Highway, the petitioners submitted tenders or participated in the auction held on 22-1-1998. Since the petitioners are the highest bidders, they paid 25% of the bid amount, apart from the Earnest Money Deposit. According to the petitioners, the payment of the said 25% of the cost was made by way of cheque within the time stipulated and the same has been realised by the respondent. It is the case of the petitioners that accepting the highest bid the respondents realised the said 25% of the bid amount, the part of the consideration, they cannot now pass the impugned order, cancelling the bid amounts.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners have submitted that, admittedly, the petitioners are the highest bidders, and by accepting the said bid amounts the resp