S.Karthick Prathap v. The District Adi-Dravidar And Tribal Welfare Officer,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 07.02.2023

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE C. V. KARTHIKEYAN Writ Petition Nos.3394 and 3396 of 2023 S.Karthick Prathap ... Petitioner in W.P.No.3394/2023 S.Suresh Babu ... Petitioner in W.P.No.3396/2023

Versus

The District Adi-Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer, Office of the District Collectorate, Villupuram.

... Respondent in both Wps Common Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to issue notice regarding any tender called for by the respondent, to all the registered contractor with the respondent, without any discrimination, and pass necessary orders by considering the petitioner representation, dated 22.12.2022.

For Petitioner in both WPs : Mr.B.Balavijayan For Respondent in both WPs : Mrs.M.Geetha Thamarai Selvam, Special Government Pleader 1/4

COMMON ORDER Since the issues involved in both the Writ Petitions are the same, and the learned counsel also advanced arguments which overlapped and the learned Special Government Pleader also addressed on the same lines, a common order is passed in both the Writ Petitions.

2. The petitioners in both the Writ Petitions are contractors who are registered with the respondent namely the District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer, in the office of the District Collectorate at Villupuram. They had renewed the registration and their registration as contractors is still subsisting. They only seek prior notice to be issued to them, if ever, the respondent issues any tenders or work orders. They claimed that since they are registered as contractors, it would only be appropriate that they are individually put on notice, if ever, there is any intention to place any work orders.

3. The issuance of notice, would not necessarily imply that they would be selected for the work. It would only help them to participate in the process and since they are registered contractors, they have a 2/4

reasonable expectation that they would be informed about issuance of any tender.

4. The Writ Petition has been filed in the nature of a Writ of Mandamus, seeking that very relief to be put on notice prior to any work order or contract being issued by the respondent.

5. A mandamus is accordingly issued, that the respondent may issue notice regarding any tender which they call for, not only to the two petitioners but also, to all other registered contractors.

6. Both the Writ Petitions stands disposed of. No order as to costs. 07.02.2023 ssi Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No To:

The District Adi-Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer, Office of the District Collectorate, Villupuram.

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C. V. KARTHIKEYAN,J.

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