The petitioner is a Registered Contractor with the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department. The petitioner has filed the above writ petition challenging the order passed by the second respondent dated 19.01.2009, by which the contract awarded in favour of the petitioner was determined, and for a further direction to direct the respondents to extend the time for completion of work, which was subject matter of the contract.

2. The facts leading to the writ petition are as follows:

(i) The first respondent invited tenders for the construction of Groyne at Yenayputhandurai Village in Kanyakumari District. The petitioner was the successful bidder in the said contract and the estimated value of the contract was Rs.350.00 Lakhs and the contract after negotiation was accepted by the Tender Award Committee by proceedings dated 12.04.2009 in favour of the petitioner, who had offered to complete the work with the approximate value of Rs.3,53,45,998/-.

(ii) An agreement was entered into between the first respondent and the petitioner on 11.05.2007 and under the terms and conditions of the agreement, the petitioner was required to commence the work on or before 01.06.2007. According to