M/S.Premier Garments Processing v. Union Of India
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 06-04-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI M/s.Premier Garments Processing Rep. by its Proprietor, New No.29, G.N.Chetty Road, T.Nagar, Chennai - 600 017.
..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. Union Of India Rep. by its Secretary to Government, Ministry of Railways, Southern Railway, Divisional Office, Chennai.
2. The Chief Mechanical Engineer, Southern Railway, Park Town, Chennai - 600 003.
3. The Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer, Divisional Office, Southern Railway, Madurai Division, Madurai.
..Respondent(s) Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent consider the representation of the petitioner dated 10.03.2026 and refer the same for consideration before the Committee for review. For Petitioner(s):
Ms.A.L.Gandhimathi, Senior Counsel For Mr.L.Palannimuthu For Respondent(s):
Mr.S.Janarthanan for RR-1 to 3.
ORDER
The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 1st respondent consider the representation of the petitioner dated 10.03.2026 and refer the same for consideration before the Committee for review.
2. Mr.S.Janarthanan, learned counsel takes notice for respondents 1 to 3.
3. The petitioner is a registered contractor under the Respondent Railways engaged in mechanized laundry and linen management services. He was awarded a contract pursuant to the E-Tender floated by the respondent railways with regard to performance of the work "Comprehensive Linen Management for nominated trains of Madurai and Tiruchirapalli Divisions including setting up of Mechanized Laundry BOOT (Build-Own Operate-Transfer) Model for a period of 10 years" based on which, an agreement was entered into between the petitioner and the respondents for a contract value of Rs.57,16,65,342.26/- for the period from 12.02.2020 to 11.02.2030. As per the tender conditions, the 'man day' has been calculated on 24 hours basis.
Since, calculating man-days on a 24-hour basis does not reflect the actual working hours performed by the staff and creates practical difficulties in manpower planning and wage calculation, the petitioner had submitted a representation dated 10.03.2026 to the respondents requesting to calculate man-days on an 8 hour basis instead of 24 hours basis. However, the said representation has not been considered so far. Hence, the present Writ Petition.
4. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that, it would suffice, if this Court issues a direction to the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 10.03.2026 and pass appropriate orders on the same within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.
5. On the above contention, this Court heard the learned counsel appearing for the respondents.
6. In view of the limited relief sought for in this Writ Petition, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 10.03.2026 and pass appropriate orders on the same in accordance with law within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and any other interested parties including the rival claimants, if any.
7. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs.
06-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order NHS
M.DHANDAPANI, J.
NHS To 1.The Secretary to Government, Union Of India, Ministry of Railways, Southern Railway, Divisional Office, Chennai.
2. The Chief Mechanical Engineer, Southern Railway, Park Town, Chennai - 600 003.
3. The Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer, Divisional Office, Southern Railway, Madurai Division, Madurai. 06-04-2026