JUDGMENT

This writ petition is filed by the petitioner directing the first respondent to issue letter of award in respect of train No.12625/26 Thiruvananthapuram-New Delhi Kerala Express, since the petitioner is the highest/successful bidder for the catering services and for other related reliefs.

2. Material facts for the disposal of the writ petition are as follows:-

Petitioner is a catering contractor, engaged in the business of conducting refreshment rooms at railway stations, catering services in long distance trains etc., including mobile catering, pantries and static units under various zones of Indian Railway including Southern Railway. First respondent invited tender for award of temporary license for onboard catering services in train No.12625- 12626, namely, Kerala Express from empanelled catering contractors. Thereupon, petitioner participated in the tender proceedings and quoted an amount of Rs.2,63,57,000/- and bid was opened on 22.2.2017. According to the petitioner, petitioner was selected as the highest / successful bidder among the 13 other participants. Thereafter since the petitioner was not being served with letter of award, he send a letter to the first responde