S.Selvam v. The Divisional Engineer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 23.03.2026 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI S.Selvam .. Petitioner

Versus

1. The Divisional Engineer, National Highway, Coimbatore - 18.

2. The Regional Officer, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, C-1-A, Rajaji Bhavan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600 090.

3. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, No.78, Purasawalkam High Road, Chennai - 600 010.

.. Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to consider the representations, dated 23.01.2024 and 14.02.2024 and to return back the amount of Rs.17,39,22,088/- deposited by the petitioner as a security to the 1st respondent.

For Petitioner : Mr.B.K.Girish Neelakantan For Respondents : Ms.P.J.Anitha, Senior Panel Counsel, for RR-1 and 2 1/5

ORDER

This Writ Petition is filed for a direction to the first respondent to consider the representations, dated 23.01.2024 and 14.02.2024 and to return back the amount of Rs.17,39,22,088/- deposited by the petitioner as a security to the first respondent.

2. It is the contention of the petitioner that he was appointed as Sub-Contractor for laying of Optical Fiber Cable works for the project given to the M/s.Larsen & Toubro Limited. The petitioner approached the Assistant Divisional Engineer for permission for right of way. The Highway Department directed the petitioner to deposit the refundable security money for restoration of cable laying works and also to execute a performance bank guarantee. Accordingly, he remitted the amount by way of Demand Draft in favour of the first respondent. After completion of the work, the National Highway authorities inspected the work and issued a completion certificate. Even though the prime contractor, M/s.Larsen & Toubro Limited received the entire amount, the petitioner was not given the refundable security amount. Inspite of several representations, the security deposit amount was not refunded to the petitioner. Hence, this 2/5

Writ Petition is filed.

3. Learned Counsel for the petitioner submitted that this Court may direct the first respondent to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's representations within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

4. Learned Senior Panel Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that the representations will be considered and orders will be passed within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

5. Heard the learned Counsel for both side and perused the materials available on record.

6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and in view of the limited request sought for by the petitioner, this court directs the first respondent to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's representations dated 23.01.2024 and 14.02.2024 within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 3/5

7. With the above directions, the Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

23.03.2026 Index : yes/no Speaking order/Non-speaking order : yes/no grs To

1. The Divisional Engineer, National Highway, Coimbatore - 18.

2. The Regional Officer, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, C-1-A, Rajaji Bhavan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600 090.

3. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, No.78, Purasawalkam High Road, Chennai - 600 010.

4/5

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

grs 23.03.2026 5/5