M/S.Rr Infraa Construction vs. The Divisional Engineer

Held

The Court granted permission to the petitioner's counsel to withdraw the writ petitions. Recording the letter and endorsement seeking withdrawal, the Court dismissed both writ petitions as withdrawn. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petitions were also closed. No costs were awarded. The Court did not decide on the merits of the GST disbursement or the validity of the impugned orders.

Facts

The petitioner, M/s. RR Infraa Construction, filed two writ petitions before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. In WP(MD)No.21149/2018, the petitioner challenged an order dated 24.04.2018 by the Divisional Engineer, Highways, Salem, and sought disbursement of bill amounts along with 12% GST for contract work under Agreement No.148/2015-16. In WP(MD)No.21150/2018, the petitioner challenged a memo dated 24.07.2018 by the Divisional Engineer (Highways), Krishnagiri, and sought disbursement of bill amounts along with 12% GST for contract work under Agreement No.55/2015-16, citing the practice of Southern Railways. The respondent in both cases was the Divisional Engineer of the Highways Department.

Key Issues

1. Whether the Court should quash the impugned orders of the respondents and direct the disbursement of bill amounts along with 12% GST for contract works undertaken by the petitioner. Petitioner's Contention: The petitioner sought to quash the impugned orders and compel the respondents to release the bill amounts, including 12% GST, for the contract works. The petitioner also sought to establish a precedent by referencing the practice of Southern Railways in disbursing GST amounts. Respondent's Contention: The judgment does not record any specific arguments or contentions made by the respondent.