M/S.Adhuna Interior Designsers vs. The State Of Andhra Pradesh

Held

The Court directed the 2nd respondent to pay a sum of Rs. 24,41,573 + GST to the petitioner towards the works undertaken. This payment was to be made as expeditiously as possible, preferably within eight weeks from the date of receipt of the order. The Court also noted that it was open for the respondents to make necessary deductions as per law. Furthermore, if there was any difference of amount due to the petitioner, they were at liberty to take appropriate steps as per law. The writ petition was disposed of with no order as to costs.

Facts

The petitioner, M/s. Adhuna Interior Designers, filed a writ petition challenging the non-payment of Rs. 32,62,853 + GST for interior design and renovation works undertaken for the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department (2nd respondent). The petitioner had raised a bill for this amount. The 2nd respondent, through a letter dated 08.08.2023, stated that upon verification, documents were uploaded in CFMS No. 2019-1942473, and the pending bill for payment was Rs. 24,41,573 + GST.

Key Issues

1. Whether the 2nd respondent is liable to pay the full amount claimed by the petitioner for the works done, as per the petitioner's bill, or the reduced amount as indicated by the 2nd respondent? Petitioner's contention: The petitioner argued that they had completed the specified works, including restoration of work stations, renovation of the CEO chamber, establishment of a conference hall, and construction of new washrooms, and had raised a bill for Rs. 32,62,853 + GST. They sought payment of this amount. Respondents' contention: The learned Government Pleader for Tourism, appearing for the respondents, submitted that upon verification of the file and documents uploaded in CFMS, the pending bill for payment was Rs. 24,41,573 + GST.