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Madras High CourtWP/18397/2026disposed of with direction

M/S.Shakunth Aqua Products v. The District Collector / Chairman

2026-06-02Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI M/s.Shakunth Aqua Products Rep. by its Proprietor A.Prabakaran Old No. 86/9A New No.30-A Vanagaram Road, Athipattu Ambattur Industrial Estate Chennai 600058.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector / Chairman District Rural Development Agency Collectorate NH 205 Jaya Nagar Tiruvallur 602001.

2. The Project Director / Joint Director District Rural Development Agency Collectorate NH 205 Jaya Nagar Tiruvallur 602001.

3. The Executive Engineer (rd) District Rural Development Agency Collectorate, NH 205 Jaya Nagar Tiruvallur 602001.

..Respondent(s) Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to release the balance outstanding amount of Rs.1,57,07,680/- due to the petitioner company for the RO Plants supplied, installed and commissioned under SFC Grant 201819 together with the 5 percentage retention amount, and to pay interest, upon the above amounts, at a rate fixed by this Honble Court for the delayed payment

by considering the representation of the petitioner, dated 23.01.2025, 15.04.2025 and 26.05.2025.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.P.Raja For Respondent(s):

Mr.M.Sivavarthanan, Government Advocate Order This Writ Petition is filed for a Mandamus directing the respondents to release the balance outstanding amount of Rs.1,57,07,680/- due to the petitioner company, for the RO plants supplied, installed and commissioned under SFC Grant 2018-19 together with the 5% retention amount, and to pay interest, upon the above amounts, at a rate fixed by this Court for the belated payment, by considering the representation of the petitioner, dated 23.01.2025, 15.04.2025 and 26.05.2025, within a time frame.

2. The petitioner was awarded contact in pursuance to the tender and letter of acceptance dated 24.10.2019 and completed the work by installing 66 RO plants and submitted all required records including M-Books. Despite completion of work and expiry of warranty period and repeated representations including the one lastly made on 23.01.2025, the respondents have failed to release the balance amount of Rs.1,57,07,680/- including retention money. Hence, the petitioner has filed the instant writ petition.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the materials on record.

4. Considering the limited scope of prayer sought for, this Court, without expressing anything on merits, directs the respondents to consider and dispose of the petitioner's representation dated 23.01.2025 and after affording opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, shall pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. 02-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Sk To

1. The District Collector / Chairman District Rural Development Agency Collectorate, NH 205 Jaya Nagar Tiruvallur 602001.

2. The Project Director / Joint Director District Rural Development Agency Collectorate, NH 205 Jaya Nagar Tiruvallur 602001.

3. The Executive Engineer (rd) District Rural Development Agency Collectorate, NH 205 Jaya Nagar Tiruvallur 602001.

M.DHANDAPANI J.

Sk 02-06-2026 4.