Madras High CourtWP/33967/2023disposed of

K.Ramamoorthy v. The Managing Director

2026-03-25Honourable Mr Justice Krishnan Ramasamy4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY K.Ramamoorthy ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, 31, Kamarajar Salai, Chepauk, Chennai 600005.

2. The Executive Engineer, TWAD Board Project Maintenance Division, Madurai.

..Respondent(s) Prayer: This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to release the payment due to the petitioner to the tune of Rs.16,06,151/- in respect of Agreement No.SE CR.13/TWAD/MDU/ 2018-2019 dated 13.12.2018 together with interest at the rate of 6% per annum.

For Petitioner(s):

M/s.T.Hemalatha For Respondent(s):

M/s.Y. Kavitha for R1 No appearance for R2

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 24.08.2023.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner was awarded the contract for the Out sourcing of Operation and Maintenance of CWSS in Madurai District for the period from 01.11.2018 to 31.03.2019. Due to Parliament Elections in the year 2019, the first respondent instructed the second respondent to extend the existing maintenance agreement for an additional three months, specifically until 30.06.2019. While the petitioner received payment of Rs.99,42,697/- for works completed between 01.11.2018 and 31.03.2019, the respondents have failed to settle the dues for the extended period (31.03.2019 to 30.06.2019). The outstanding amount for this period totals Rs.16,05,151/-. Therefore, the petitioner made a representation dated 24.08.2023 before the respondents to release the payment. However, the same was not considered by the respondents, as on date. Hence, this writ petition.

3. Learned counsel for the first respondent would submit that the respondents have settled the entire amount due for the initial period (01.11.2018 to 31.03.2019) in accordance with the agreed terms and conditions. However, regarding the additional work performed during the extended period i.e., from 31.03.2019 to 30.06.2019, the payment remains subject to approval from the tender committee.

4. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.

5. Considering the limited relief sought by the petitioner, this Court directs the respondents to release a sum of Rs.16,06,151/- payable to the petitioner for the works carried out during the extended period from 31.03.2019 to 30.06.2019, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. As the matter has been pending for five years, the petitioner is entitled to interest on the belated payment. However, it is left to the respondents to determine the interest amount in accordance with the due process of law.

6. With the aforesaid direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

List the case on 27.04.2026 under the caption "For Reporting Compliance".

25-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order VM Note to Registry: Issue order copy on 27.03.2026

KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J.

VM To:

1. The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, 31, Kamarajar Salai, Chepauk, Chennai 600005.

2. The Executive Engineer, TWAD Board Project Maintenance Division, Madurai.

25-03-2026