Court emphasizes the need for a fair hearing in administrative decisions affecting contracts.

JUDGMENT

This writ petition is submitted by the petitioner, a contractor which is entrusted with the work of improvement of the IWT Route from Erahikkal to Korapuzha from Ch.412.82 to Ch.418.32 km of Kozhikode District. According to the petitioner, he had already completed the work valued at more than 3.45 crores, and due to certain reasons beyond the control of the petitioner, the remaining work could not be completed. However, without considering the actual difficulties in completing the work, the work was terminated as per Ext.P5 and it was also directed to recover 30% of the cost of the balance work at the agreed rate of contract. This writ petition is filed challenging Exts.P5 and P6, the consequential proceedings initiated based on Ext.P4.

2. Today when the matter came up for consideration, learned counsel for the petitioner pointed out that, Ext.P7 representation highlighting the grievances against Exts. P5 and P6 is now pending before the 1^st respondent, and the same may be directed to be disposed of.

3. After hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader for the respondents, I am of the view that the said relief can be granted.

Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of, directing the

1^st respondent to take up Ext.P7 and appropriate orders thereon shall be passed in accordance with law, after giving the petitioner an opportunity for being heard. A decision in this regard shall be passed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.

Sd/-