The decision affirms the need for timely action by public authorities in finalizing claims of contractors under contractual agreements.

JUDGMENT

The petitioner was awarded with a contract work for completing the ‘Balance Civil Works of Tunnel, Surge Shaft, Pressure Shaft, Penstock, Power House and allied works’ of Pallivasal Extension Scheme. According to the petitioner, the work was completed within the extended period of time. However, certain claims of the petitioner relating to the final settlement of the amount, were considered by the competent officers in Exts.P2, P4, P7 and P8 minutes and a favourable decision is taken which is in the process of final consideration.

2. According to the petitioner, Ext.P6 Board Order also supports the claim of the petitioner in respect of certain heads. The grievance of the petitioner is with regard to the delay in finalizing the said claims. Now, the petitioner has already submitted Ext.P10 representation highlighting its grievances, which is now pending before the 2^nd respondent. The limited relief sought by the petitioner is to direct the competent officer under the 1st respondent to consider the same and pass appropriate orders.

After hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondents, I am inclined to dispose of this writ petition. Accordingly, it is ordered that the 1^st respondent shall ensure that the competent officer of the 1st respondent takes up Ext.P10 and appropriate orders are passed there on, after giving the petitioner an opportunity for being heard. Such an order shall be passed within a period of one month from the receipt of copy of this judgment.

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