Aadithya Foods v. The State

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.08.2022

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Aadithya Foods, Rep. by its Manager, S.T.Selvaram Raja ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The State Rep by its Principal Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Director of Medical & Health Services, Public Health Department, Door No.359, Anna Salai, Chockalingam Nagar, Teniampet, Chennai - 600 006.

3.The Deputy Director of Health Services, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar District.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to disburse a sum of 1/4

Rs.4,48,650/- with interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum from 30.06.2021 to till date of payment for the supply of food to the Doctors, Nurses and CovidWarriors by considering the petitioner's representation dated 19.01.2022 within the period that may be stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Gandhi For Respondents : Mr.M.Sarangan, Addl. Government Pleader.

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

2.The writ petitioner is a catering establishment based in Rajapalayam. When pandemic was its peak, pursuant to the demand made by the respondents, the petitioner provided food to the medical personnel from 08.05.2021 to 27.06.2021. However, their bills have not been settled till date. That led to the filing of the present writ petition.

3.That the petitioner is entitled to the petition mentioned bill amount is beyond dispute. I therefore direct the third respondent to pay the bill amount of Rs.4,48,650/- to the petitioner within a period of eight weeks from the date of 2/4

receipt of a copy of this order. If the third respondent fails to comply with this direction, the petitioner will be entitled to claim interest at the rate of 6% per annum right from the date of raising of bill. 4.The writ petition is allowed accordingly. No costs. 17.08.2022 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias Issue order copy on 22.08.2022.

To:- 1.The State Rep by its Principal Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Director of Medical & Health Services, Public Health Department, Door No.359, Anna Salai, Chockalingam Nagar, Teniampet, Chennai - 600 006.

3.The Deputy Director of Health Services, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

ias 17.08.2022 4/4