WRIT PETITION NO. 22383 OF 2025 (GM-RES)

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURAJ GOVINDARAJ

ORAL ORDER

1. The petitioner is before this Court seeking for the following reliefs;

a) Issue a writ of certiorari to quash the reply dated 18.06.2025 given by Respondent No.3 at Annexure-C and consequently, quash the forfeiture order dated 01.02.2024 bearing No.04/Depot Sales/0404301223/Forfeiture at Annexure-E.

b) Issue a writ of Mandamus or any other appropriate writ or direction, directing the Respondents to refund the EMD amount Rs.3,51,975/- and part payment Rs.15,54,690/- amount i.e., paid in Annexure-F, forthwith.

c) Pass such other or further orders as this Hon’ble Court deems fit in the facts and circumstances of the case, in the interest of justice and equity.

2. Respondent No.2 conducted an e-auction on 21.12.2023 for the sale of 97.5 Metric Tonnes of metal scrap. The petitioner participated in the said auction and emerged as the highest/successful bidder with a bid amount of ₹35,19,750/-.

3. In terms of the conditions governing the auction, the petitioner was required to deposit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) equivalent to 10% of the bid amount. Accordingly, the petitioner