High Court of KeralaSingle JudgeWrit petitions dismissed; termination order uph...

Kabeer M. v. State of Kerala and Others

Case / Petition Number:W.P.(C) Nos. 1323 of 2023 & 6039 of 2023

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • Shaji P. Chaly
Judgment Date
2023-04-25
Court Decision / Holding
Writ petitions dismissed; termination order upheld; the fresh tender has no legal basis. The court found no illegality or arbitrariness in the termination of the contract and rejected the petitioner’s challenge to the re-tendering. It held that the petitioner was bound by the agreement’s terms and milestones and that extrapolations from the earlier, aborted width expansion proposals could not justify interference under Article 226. The court also cited State of Kerala v. M.K. Jose to emphasize cautious use of writs in contractual disputes and affirmed the prerogative to avoid roving inquiries in such matters.
Final Disposition
Writ petitions dismissed; termination order upheld; re-tender challenges dismissed.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • Kabeer M.

Respondents

  • State of Kerala represented by its Secretary to Government, Department of Public Works, Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Chief Engineer Public Works Department (Roads), Public Offices, Vikas Bhavan P.O., Thiruvananthapuram
  • Superintending Engineer Public Works Department, Roads North Circle, PWD Complex, Mananchira, Kozhikode
  • Executive Engineer Public Works Department, Roads Division, Kozhikode
  • Assistant Executive Engineer Public Works Department, Roads Sub Division, Koyiland i, Kozhikode District
  • Assistant Engineer Public Works Department, Roads Section, Perambra, Kozhikode District

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • Babu Joseph Kuruvathazha
  • • Mohammed Shafi.K
  • • K.S.Archana

Counsels for Respondents

  • • K.V. Manoj Kumar

Case Synopsis & Summary

Petitioner Kabeer M., a contractor engaged by the State Public Works Department for the project “Improvements to Vadakkumbad - Vanchipara - Gopurathildam road (km 0/000 to 3/300) – balance work,” challenged two linked orders in WP(C) Nos. 1323/2023 and 6039/2023. WP 1323 challenges Exhibit P21, an order terminating the contract awarded to him; WP 6039 challenges Exhibit P24, the re-tender notification dated 18.02.2023 for the same work. The court heard the petitions together. The original contract had been awarded to Faiz M.D. of Kasaragod and terminated for risk and cost after proposals to revise the schedule of work, following an increase in the width of the carriageway from 3.5m to 5.5m, were pending before the Chief Engineer of the PWD Roads. A fresh selection notice (Exhibit P1) led to entry into Exhibit P2 agreement on 17.05.2022 with a milestone schedule (25% by 3 months, 75% by 6 months, 100% by 8 months) and guarantees. The petitioner contends that the increase in width would require an upward revision of the estimate under Clause 2111 of the PWD Manual Revised Edition, 2012, and that tendering before such revision was approved was improper. Respondents maintain that the sanctioned scope remained a 3.80-metre carriageway; the revision of estimate was not necessary; the contract was not completed within the milestones; termination and re-tender were valid. The court held that the petitioner, having entered into the agreement, was bound by its terms, the authorities did not act with illegality or arbitrariness, and the writ petitions were dismissed, upholding the termination and the re-tender.

Provisions of Law Cited

Article 226 of the Constitution of IndiaClause 2111 of the PWD Manual Revised Edition, 2012

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • A writ court should ordinarily not entertain a writ petition, if there is a breach of contract involving disputed questions of fact.

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioner contends that widening the carriageway from 3.5 m to 5.5 m necessitated a revision of the estimate under Clause 2111 of the PWD Manual Revised Edition, 2012. He asserts tender notification was issued while such revision was pending before the Chief Engineer, rendering the award vulnerable to challenge. He argues that the revision of estimate would double the quantities and costs, and that the tender authority should have awaited approval before proceeding. He maintains that the earlier 3.8 m (or 3.80 m) carriageway proposal and detailed estimate were the governing basis, and that the respondents’ actions—issuance of P21 terminating the contract and P22/P24 re-tender—were arbitrary and contrary to the agreement and due process. He relies on the relevant PWD Manual provisions and prior court directions to press for a reasoned order and stay of coercive actions until the revision is considered.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents contended that the approved scope remained a 3.80 m carriageway; the 5.5 m width proposal and any revision of estimate were not in force after the earlier termination. They argued that the contractor failed to complete milestones (25% by 3 months, 75% by 6 months, 100% by 8 months) and that termination for risk and cost was justified. They maintained that the re-tender was a valid exercise, given the slow progress and the lack of progress as per the contract, and that the initial widths did not necessitate a revision of the tender after the cessation of the prior contractor’s engagement. The department asserted that revision procedures under Clause 2111 were not invoked since the contested widths and additional quantities did not materialize in the manner claimed by the petitioner.

Cited Precedents (2)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
State of Kerala v. M.K. Jose2015 (9) SCC 433Mentioned OnlyCited to illustrate writ jurisdiction principles in contractual disputes; used as supportive guidance rather than controlling ratio.
W.P.(C) No. 40025/2022W.P.(C) 40025/2022Mentioned OnlyCited as a prior judgment of this Court directing consideration of Ext. P18 and staying coercive actions; used to describe the Court's earlier directive.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 1: ## IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM ## PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE SHAJI P.CHALY TUESDAY, THE 25[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2023 / 5TH VAISAKHA, 1945 ## WP(C) NO. 1323 OF 2023 ## PETITIONER/S: KABEER M. AGED 40 YEARS S/O. M. ABDULLA, CONTRACTOR, MUNDANGALAM HOUSE, THEKKIL FERRY P.O., KASARAGOD DISTRICT., PIN – 671 541. BY ADVS. SRI. BABU JOSEPH KURUVATHAZHA SRI. MOHAMMED SHAFI.K SMT. K.S.ARCHANA ## RESPONDENT/S: - 1 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM., PIN – 695 001. - 2 CHIEF ENGINEER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (ROADS), PUBLIC OFFICES, VIKAS BHAVAN P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM., PIN – 695 033. - 3 SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ROADS NORTH CIRCLE, PWD COMPLEX, MANANCHIRA, KOZHIKODE., PIN – 673 001. - 4 EXECUTIVE ENGINEER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ROADS DIVISION, KOZHIKODE., PIN – 673 020. - 5 ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ROADS SUB DIVISION, KOYILANDI, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT., PIN – 673 305. - 6 ASSISTANT ENGINEER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ROADS SECTION, PERAMBRA, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT., PIN – 673 525. SRI. K.V. MANOJ KUMAR, SPL. GOVERNMENT PLEADER W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 2: THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.04.2023, ALONG WITH WP(C).6039/2023, THE COURT ON 25.04.2023 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 3: IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM ## PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE SHAJI P.CHALY TUESDAY, THE 25[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2023 / 5TH VAISAKHA, 1945 ## WP(C) NO. 6039 OF 2023 ## PETITIONER/S: KABEER M. AGED 40 YEARS S/O. M. ABDULLA, CONTRACTOR, MUNDANGALAM HOUSE, THEKKIL FERRY P.O., KASARAGOD DISTRICT., PIN – 671 541. BY ADV BABU JOSEPH KURUVATHAZHA ## RESPONDENT/S: - 1 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM., PIN – 695 001. - 2 CHIEF ENGINEER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (ROADS), PUBLIC OFFICES, VIKAS BHAVAN P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM., PIN – 695 033. - 3 SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ROADS NORTH CIRCLE, PWD COMPLEX, MANANCHIRA, KOZHIKODE., PIN – 673 001. - 4 EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ROADS DIVISION, KOZHIKODE., PIN – 673 020. - 5 ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ROADS SUB DIVISION, KOYILANDI, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT., PIN – 673 305. - 6 ASSISTANT ENGINEER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ROADS SECTION, PERAMBRA, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT., PIN – 673 525. - BY ADV. SRI. K.V. MANOJ KUMAR, SPL. GOVERNMENT PLEADER, ADVOCATE GENERAL OFFICE W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 **==> picture [16 x 9] intentionally omitted <==** THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 10.04.2023, ALONG WITH WP(C).1323/2023, THE COURT ON 25.04.2023 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 5: ## **SHAJI P. CHALY, J.** --------------------------------------------------------- W.P.(C). Nos. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 --------------------------------------------------------Dated this the 25[th] day of April, 2023. ## **JUDGMENT** Petitioner in both the writ petitions is one and the same person—a contractor engaged by the State Public Works Department for the work “Improvements to Vadakkumbad - Vanchipara - Gopurathildam road between km 0/000 to 3/300 (balance work)”, evident from Exhibit P1 selection notice. 2. W.P.(C) No. 1323 of 2023 is filed challenging Exhibit P21 order terminating the contract awarded to the petitioner; whereas, W.P.(C) No. 6039 of 2023 is filed challenging Exhibit P24 re-tender notification dated 18.02.2023 issued for the aforesaid work. Therefore, I heard them together and proposed to pass this common judgment. 3. Brief material facts for the disposal of the writ petition are as follows: The work was originally awarded to one Mr. Faiz M.D, Kasaragod W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 6: District. However, it was terminated at the risk and cost of the said person, allegedly when the application seeking revision of schedule of work, consequent to the enhancement of the width of the road from 3.5 meters to 5.5 meters, was pending consideration before the Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (Roads), Thiruvananthapuram, respondent No. 2. It was thereafter that a re-tender was invited and the consequent Exhibit P1 selection notice was issued to the petitioner. Pursuant to Exhibit P1 selection notice, petitioner has executed Ext. P2 agreement dated 17.05.2022 with the Superintending Engineer, Public Works Department (Roads) North Circle, Kozhikode, respondent No.3, on providing a performance guarantee of Rs.10,72,500/- and an additional performance guarantee of Rs. 37,42,802/- in accordance with Exhibit P1 selection notice. As per the agreement, the work is to be completed within 8 months, with a guarantee period of 36 months from the date of completion. Apparently, a milestone was also fixed in regard to the rate of progress, that is to say, 25% at the end of the third month; 75% at the end of the 6[th] month; and 100% at the end of 8[th] month. The amount of estimate was Rs.4,08,95,611.18. 4. According to the petitioner, when the work was in progress, it was proposed by the Superintending Engineer and the Executive W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 7: Engineer, respondent Nos. 3 and 4, to enhance the width of the road from 3.5 meters to 5.5. meters. Therefore, it is contended, when the width of the road increases from 3.5 meters to 5.5 meters, it is necessary to revise the estimate in tune with the actual quantity of the work. The sum and substance of the contention advanced is that the revision of estimate has become essential and necessary as contemplated under clause 2111 of the PWD Manual Revised Edition, 2012. The contention put forth by the petitioner is that since the width of the road increases from 3.5 meters to 5.5. meters, the total quantity of the materials involved in the work would be increased to 100% above the original estimate, which was approved by respondent Nos. 2 and 3 at the time of issuance of tender notification, pursuant to which Exhibit P1 selection notice was issued to the petitioner. 5. Therefore, it is submitted that if the tender notification was issued after getting approval for revision of estimate in tune with the actual width of the road i.e, 5.5 meters to provide BM and BC, no such revision of estimate would have been necessary. But, in the instant case, according to the petitioner, tender notification was issued when the proposal for revision of estimate was pending consideration of theChief Engineer, Public Works Department (Roads), W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 8: Thiruvananthapuram, respondent No.2, consequent to the claim raised by the original contractor Mr. Faiz M.D. It is also submitted that it is evident from sl. No. 18 of Exhibit P4, detailed estimate forming part of the agreement, that the width of the road from km 0/000 to 3/300 is 5.5 meters. 6. Accordingly, it is submitted that it was based on the quantity of the materials provided in the detailed estimate that the petitioner has submitted the bid agreeing to execute the work at a certain rate. It is further submitted that the quantity of such items may either increase or decrease. However, when the quantity increases, the provisions and procedures contemplated under clause 2111 of the PWD Manual would come into operation and only on getting the revision of estimate approved by the tender authority, the petitioner would get the right to commence the execution of the work based on the agreement executed with the Superintending Engineer, respondent No.3. 7. It is also contended that based on Ext.P4 detailed estimate of the work, the initial levels of the work were recorded by the petitioner, as per Exhibit P5 in the presence of the Assistant Engineer, the 6[th] W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 9: respondent, and other officials and it seems, Ext.P5 was submitted to the 6[th] respondent, along with Exhibit P6 letter dated 14.7.2022. Therefore, it is pointed out that the petitioner would commence the work only if Ext.P5 initial levels were reported to the Chief Technical Examiner (CTE). It is also submitted that for reasons not known to the petitioner, the respondents have withheld the Ext.P5 initial levels, without reporting to the CTE and that even now, Ext.P5 initial levels were not reported to the CTE. 8. Anyhow, the 6[th] respondent, as per Exhibit P7 letter dated 18.7.2022, directed the petitioner to record the initial levels of the road at the width of 8 meters, which according to the petitioner, is deviating from the provisions of work contemplated in Ext.P4 detailed estimate. Thereafter, the Assistant Executive Engineer, the 5[th] respondent, has issued Exhibit P8 letter dated 20.7.2022, reiterating the directions issued in Ext.P7 letter. 9. Thereupon, the petitioner submitted Exhibit P9 representation dated 25.7.2022 before the 3[rd] respondent, requesting to revise the schedule of work attached to the agreement and Ext.P4 detailed estimate, by increasing the width of the road from 5.5 meters to 8 W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 10: meters, to get the width of 5.5 meters for surface traffic. 10. The petitioner has also submitted Exhibits P10 and P11 representations dated 26.7.2022 and 01.08.2022 before respondent Nos. 5 and 3 respectively. In order to discuss the issue, a meeting was convened by the Superintending Engineer, respondent No.3, on 17.8.2022, as is evident from Exhibit P12 letter dated 19.8.2022, as per which the petitioner was directed to record the initial levels for the construction of the road at 8 meters, which according to the petitioner, is deviating from Ext.P4 detailed estimate and which was impermissible for want of approval of revision of estimate and the same was pending consideration before the Chief Engineer, respondent No.2. 11. The Executive Engineer, respondent No.4 then issued Exhibit P13 letter dated 03.9.2022 to the 3rd respondent, recommending to terminate the work, at the risk and cost of the petitioner, and to blacklist the petitioner. According to the petitioner, in Ext.P13, the Executive Engineer, respondent No.4, made the recommendation to award the work to an accredited agency or to execute the work through the Department, with malafide and W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 11: fraudulent motives. The petitioner, on receipt of Ext.P13, submitted Exhibit P14 representation dated 12.9.2022 to the Superintending Engineer, respondent No.3, reiterating the request made in Ext.P9 representation. 12. Anyhow, as per Ext.P13 letter dated 13.09.2022, the Superintending Engineer issued Exhibit P15 letter dated 30.9.2022, directing the petitioner to commence the work within 7 days, failing which it was cautioned that coercive action would be initiated against him. The petitioner, on receipt of Ext.P15, submitted Exhibit P16 representation dated 10.10.2022 before the Superintending Engineer requesting to get the approval for revision of estimate to enable the petitioner to commence the work. However, the Superintending Engineer issued Exhibit P17 letter dated 30.11.2022 directing the petitioner to commence the work within 7 days, failing which it was specified that the work would be rearranged at his risk and cost. 13. Again, the petitioner has submitted Exhibit P18 representation dated 05.12.2022 before the Superintending Engineer, respondent No.3, reiterating the request made in Exhibits P9 and P14 representations seeking to revise the schedule of work attached to the W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 12: agreement, increasing the width of the road from 5.5 meters to 8 meters, enabling the petitioner to commence the work. 14. Since no action was taken by the Superintending Engineer, petitioner has filed W.P.(C) No. 40025 of 2022 before this Court. This Court, as per the judgment dated 9.12.2022, directed the Superintending Engineer to consider Ext.P18 representation and pass a reasoned order, after providing an opportunity hearing to the petitioner, within two weeks, by keeping in abeyance all coercive actions. 15. Accordingly, the petitioner was heard and the request made by the petitioner was rejected as per Exhibit P21 communication dated 05.01.2023 terminating the contract awarded to the petitioner. Later, the Superintending Engineer issued Exhibit P22 inter-departmental communication dated 07.01.2023, to the Chief Engineer, respondent No.2, apparently on the basis of the communication issued by the Chief Engineer consequent to the letter submitted by the petitioner contractor. It is, thus, challenging the legality and correctness of Exhibit P21, the writ petition is filed. 16. The Assistant Executive Engineer, respondent No.5, has W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 13: filed a counter affidavit refuting the claims and demands raised by the petitioner and also narrating the circumstances that led to the termination of the previous contract, and the reasons for the present impugned order. 17. According to the 5[th] respondent, the width of the road proposed to be constructed is 3.80 meters (width of tarring portion) and not 3.50 meters as claimed by the petitioner. The proposal was made for improving the road to BM and BC standards with a 3.80 meters wide carriage way. That apart, construction of concrete drains, concrete culverts, side protection works, traffic safety works etc. were also included in the sanctioned estimate. But, when the work was started by the previous contractor, the people of the locality and the MLA requested the Department to form the carriage way (Tarring width) to 5.50 meters instead of 3.80 meters proposed in the estimate. 18. The Department has agreed to consider the proposal made by the local people and MLA and submitted a revised estimate for the work for obtaining sanction. At that point of time, the original contractor was doing the road formation work; but, the work was very W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 14: slow and therefore the Department had to terminate the contract at the risk and cost of the contractor. It seems, consequent to the termination, the proposed revised estimate also was cancelled and the Department had decided to carry out the work as envisaged in the original sanctioned estimate with 3.80 meter-wide road and the balance work awarded to the petitioner was tendered accordingly. 19. Therefore, according to the respondent No. 5, the contentions made by the petitioner relying upon the provisions of PWD manual is correct, but the same has no relevance to the work awarded to the petitioner. The sum and substance of the contention advanced is that the attempt of the petitioner is to make out a case on the basis of the claim raised by the previous contractor for revision of estimate on the basis of the earlier demand for widening the carriage way to 5.50 meters, which is not in force at all, since the same was cancelled after the termination of the previous contract. Therefore, according to the 5[th] respondent, the petitioner has not made out a case of arbitrariness or illegality. 20. That apart, it is stated that if any of the quantities so worked out exceeds the quantities in the agreement, the contractor is W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 15: bound to execute the said items of work at his agreed rates till 125% of the agreed quantity and he is entitled to get negotiated rates for quantities executed above 125% based on agreement conditions. Therefore, the respondent No. 5 seeks dismissal of the writ petition, 21. A reply affidavit is filed by the petitioner reiterating the stand adopted in the writ petition and also relying upon other provisions of the PWD Manual. 22. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner Sri. Babu Joseph Kuruvathazha and the learned Special Government Pleader Sri. K.V. Manoj Kumar and perused the pleadings and material on record. **23.** The deliberation of facts made above would make it clear that the petitioner has taken up the work in question after termination of a previous contract. It is an admitted fact that pursuant to Exhibit P1 selection notice, the petitioner has executed an agreement with the Superintending Engineer, respondent No.3 and therefore, he is bound by the agreement conditions. 24. From the facts narrated above, it is clear that the petitioner is relying upon Exhibit P3 proforma of the work issued by the Superintending Engineer as against the contract with the previous W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 16: contractor and the consequent detailed estimate in regard to the same. This is a case where, even though consequent to the request of the Member of Legislative Assembly, a proposal was made to widen the carriageway to 5.8 meters and a detailed estimate was prepared, while the work was being carried out by the previous contractor, it was terminated consequent to the slow progress of the work. 25. Later, the proposal made for widening the carriageway was given up and the tender was invited with the carriageway of 3.8 meters. Therefore, the petitioner participated in the tender knowing well the nature of the work to be carried out. Even though in the communication issued by the Superintending Engineer and other authorities, it is stated that the level was to be done as 8 meters from 5.50 meters, it never directed the petitioner to carry out any work by extending the level to 5.50 meters and further to 8 meters. The level was directed to be shown for other purposes other than any development work of the road. Therefore, the contention advanced by the petitioner that consequent to the change of level and the directions issued by the respondents to submit the initial levels at 5.50 meters and later to 8 meters would enable the petitioner for revision of estimate, cannot be sustained, since it does not contemplate the W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 17: widening of the carriageway as originally provided from 3.80 meters. 26. The petitioner has heavily relied upon Exhibit P22 interdepartmental correspondence by and between the Superintending Engineer and the Chief Engineer dated 07.01.2023. But, on a perusal of the same, it is categoric and clear that the Superintending Engineer had explained the circumstances to the Chief Engineer starting from the original award of the work to the previous contractor. The petitioner is attempting to make out a case that without a revision of estimate, the work cannot be commenced. The said contention advanced by the petitioner has no foundation at all for the basic reason that there is no deviation from the award of the contract to the petitioner as per Exhibit P1 selection notice. 27. It is quite clear and evident from the inter departmental correspondence that only 9% of the work is completed by the petitioner. Moreover, the interdepartmental correspondence can never be said to be a proof at all to arrive at a conclusion with respect to the case put forth by the petitioner. This I say because, it is only a correspondence issued by the Superintending Engineer, respondent No.3 consequent to certain queries raised by the Chief Engineer on account of the work in question done by the previous contractor and W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 18: the circumstances leading to the termination of contract of the petitioner. 28. In my considered opinion, when the tender was conferred on the petitioner and the agreement was executed, the petitioner is duty bound to complete the work as agreed upon by and between the parties. The petitioner is not at all entitled to take advantage of the circumstances pointed out by the previous contractor and the previous proposal for the revision of estimate made by the officials, while the original tender was being proceeded with. This is more so when the respondents have decided to retain the width of the carriageway at 3.80 meters. It is an admitted fact that the petitioner has not carried out the work as specified in the work order at all, which is clear from the documents and the pleadings put forth by the petitioner itself. 29. This I say because, while executing an agreement with the petitioner, it is clear and evident from Exhibit P2 proforma of the work that a milestone was fixed with regard to the rate of progress and consequent to which at the end of third month, the petitioner had to attain 25%; 75% at the end of 6[th] month; and 100% at the end of 8[th] month. Therefore, from the pleadings put forth by the petitioner itself, W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 19: it is quite clear that the petitioner could not attain the milestone prescribed as per the agreement executed by and between the parties. It is not in dispute that if the work is not carried out by the petitioner in terms of the agreement conditions, the tender authority is vested with ample powers to terminate the work. It was accordingly that proceedings were initiated against the petitioner. 30. In fact, various communications were issued to the petitioner to commence the work after preparing initial levels of 5.8 meters and later to 8 meters. But by saying one reason or another, in order to take advantage of the revision of the estimate recommended to the previous contractor, consequent to the proposal made by the MLA as well as the local people, the petitioner submitted representations. In fact, on the basis of the directions issued by this Court, they were considered and Exhibit P21 order of termination was passed assigning reasons. 31. Therefore, the sole question to be considered is whether the petitioner has made out any case of illegality or arbitrariness or any other legal infirmities justifying interference under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. In my considered opinion, the factual W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 20: circumstances make it clear that the petitioner has not made out any such case and therefore, the petitioner is not entitled to secure any reliefs as are sought for in this writ petition. Therefore, no interference is required to Exhibit P21 termination order passed by the Superintending Engineer, respondent No.3. Consequently, the fresh tender invited by the Superintending Engineer, which is under challenge in W.P. (C) No. 6039 of 2023, has no legal basis or factual foundation. 32. The issue with respect to the termination of contract was considered by the Apex Court in _**State of Kerala v. M.K. Jose**_ **, (2015) 9 SCC 433], after having a threadbare survey of its previous relevant judgements on the point,** wherein it is held as follows: “12. As the factual narration would reveal, the respondent has been invoking the jurisdiction of the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution on various occasions challenging every action which pertain to extension of time, denial of revised estimate by the State Government and many other facets of that nature and the High Court, we must say, has been generously passing orders for consideration by the appropriate authority, for grant of opportunity of being heard to the contractor and to consider his representation in accordance with law. This kind of orders in a contractual matter, in our considered view, is ill-conceived. They not only convert the controversy to a disturbing labyrinth, but encourage frivolous litigation. The competent authority might have mentioned that more than 50% work remained to be done but that should not have prompted the Appellate Bench hearing the W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 21: intra-court appeal to appoint a Commission of two advocates and granting them liberty to take assistance of a competent engineer. As the Report would show, the Commission of two advocates have taken assistance of a retired Assistant Executive Engineer and submitted the Report. Though, the learned counsel for the State had not objected to the same, yet we really fail to fathom how a writ jurisdiction can be extended to cause a roving enquiry through a Commission and rely on the facts collected without granting opportunity to the State to file objections to the same and in the ultimate eventuate, cancel the order of termination of contract. What precisely was the quantum of work done and whether there had been a breach by the owner or the contractor, are required to be gone into by the appropriate legal forum. 13. A writ court should ordinarily not entertain a writ petition, if there is a breach of contract involving disputed questions of fact. The present case clearly indicates that the factual disputes are involved.” 33. It may be correct to say that, the writ court, under Article 226 of the Constitution would be justified in interfering with the termination of the contract, even if factual circumstances are involved in the matter of termination. However, in my considered opinion, a prerogative writ would normally be issued by the High Court, if the State or its instrumentalities has acted in absolute arbitrariness, illegality or unfairness. This is a case where the respondents have given sufficient opportunity to the petitioner to start the work. But, the petitioner, by saying baseless and unfounded reasons, has prolonged the contract, and despite the lapse of several months after the agreement period, the petitioner could not achieve the milestone; W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 **==> picture [22 x 9] intentionally omitted <==** however, he could complete only 9% of the work awarded to him. Thinking so, I do not think, the petitioner is entitled to get any reliefs as are sought for in the said writ petition. Since I find that there is no illeglaity or other legal infirmities in terminating the contract, the challenge made in the latter writ petition to the re-tender has no sustenance and accordingly, it is liable to be dismissed. Upshot of the above discussion is that, the writ petitions fail and accordingly, they are dismissed. sd/- **SHAJI P. CHALY, JUDGE.** Rv W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 23: ## **A PPENDIX OF WP(C) 1323/2023** ## PETITIONER’S EXHIBITS: |EXHIBIT P1|TRUE COPY OF THE SELECTION NOTICE DATED 8.4.2022| |---|---| ||ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT.| |EXHIBIT P2|TRUE COPY OF THE PROFORMA OF THE AGREEMENT| ||DATED 17.5.2022, SIGNED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT| ||AND PETITIONER.| |EXHIBIT P3|TRUE COPY OF THE PROFORMA OF THE WORK AWARDED| ||TO MR. FAIZ M.D., ON EXECUTING AGREEMENT| ||NO.SE(K)194/2019-20 WITH THE 3RD RESPONDENT.| |EXHIBIT P4|TRUE COPY OF THE DETAILED ESTIMATE OF THE WORK| ||COMPRISED IN THE AGREEMENT DATED 17.5.2022.| |EXHIBIT P5|TRUE COPY OF THE INITIAL LEVELS OF THE WORK| ||COMPRISED IN EXT.P4 DETAILED ESTIMATE.| |EXHIBIT P6|TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 14.7.2022| ||SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 6TH| ||RESPONDENT.| |EXHIBIT P7|TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 18.7.2022 ISSUED BY| ||THE 6TH RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER.| |EXHIBIT P8|TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 20.7.2022 ISSUED BY| ||THE 5TH RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER.| |EXHIBIT P9|TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 25.7.2022| ||SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD| ||RESPONDENT.| |EXHIBIT P10|TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 26.7.2022| ||SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 5TH| ||RESPONDENT.| |EXHIBIT P11|TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 1.8.2022| ||SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD| ||RESPONDENT.| |EXHIBIT P12|TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 19.8.2022 ISSUED BY| ||THE 6TH RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER.| |EXHIBIT P13|TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 3.9.2022 SUBMITTED| ||BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT BEFORE THE 3RD| ||RESPONDENT.| |EXHIBIT P14|TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 12.9.2022| ||SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD| ||RESPONDENT.| |EXHIBIT P15|TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 30.9.2022 ISSUED BY| W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 24: THE 3RD RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P16 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 10.10.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P17 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 30.11.2022 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P18 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 5.12.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P19 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THIS HON'BLE COURT DATED 9.12.2022 IN W.P.(C) NO.40025/2022. EXHIBIT P20 TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDING DATED 26.12.2022 OF THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P21 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 5.1.2023 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P22 TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDING DATED 7.1.2023 OF THE 3RD RESPONDENT. RESPONDENTS’ EXHIBITS: EXHIBIT R5(A) TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 02-02-2022 IN WPC 396/2022. EXHIBIT R5(B) TRUE COPY OF THE BILL OF QUANTITIES OR THE AGREEMENT SCHEDULE. EXHIBIT R5(C) LETTER NO.AE(P)/D3-1008/2022 DATED 19-08-2022 ISSUED TO THE PETITIONER BY 6TH RESPONDENT EXHIBIT R5(D) PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE CONDITION OF THE ROAD ## RESPONDENTS’ EXHIBITS: NIL True Copy rv PS To Judge. W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 25: ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 6039/2023** ## **PETITIONER’S EXHIBITS:** EXHIBIT P1 TRUE COPY OF THE SELECTION NOTICE DATED 8.4.2022 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P2 TRUE COPY OF THE PROFORMA OF THE AGREEMENT DATED 17.5.2022, SIGNED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT AND PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P3 TRUE COPY OF THE PROFORMA OF THE WORK AWARDED TO MR. FAIZ M.D., ON EXECUTING AGREEMENT NO.SE(K)197/2019-20 DATED 03-02-2020 WITH THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P4 TRUE COPY OF THE DETAILED ESTIMATE OF THE WORK COMPRISED IN THE AGREEMENT DATED 17.5.2022. EXHIBIT P5 TRUE COPY OF THE INITIAL LEVELS OF THE WORK COMPRISED IN EXT.P4 DETAILED ESTIMATE. EXHIBIT P6 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 14.7.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 6TH RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P7 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 18.7.2022 ISSUED BY THE 6TH RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P8 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 20.7.2022 ISSUED BY THE 5TH RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P9 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 25.7.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P10 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 26.7.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 5TH RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P11 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 1.8.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P12 `TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 19.8.2022 ISSUED BY THE 6TH RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P13 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 3.9.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P14 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 12.9.2022 W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 26: SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P15 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 30.9.2022 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P16 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 10.10.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P17 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 30.11.2022 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT TO THE PETITIONER. EXHIBIT P18 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 5.12.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P19 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THIS HON'BLE COURT DATED 9.12.2022 IN W.P.(C) NO.40025/2022. EXHIBIT P20 TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDING DATED 26.12.2022 OF THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P21 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER NO D6.09/2018/9995 DATED 5.1.2023 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P22 TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDING NO.DC 9/PRICE/2018/9995 DATED 7.1.2023 OF THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P23 TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER OF THIS HON'BLE COURT DATED 17.1.2023 IN W.P.(C) NO.1323/2023. EXHIBIT P24 TRUE COPY OF THE RE-TENDER NOTIFICATION DATED 18.2.2023 PUBLISHED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P25 TRUE COPY OF THE INITIAL LEVEL (ABSTRACT) OF THE VADAKUMPAD VANCHIPARA GOPURATHILIDAM ROAD BETWEEN KM 0/000 TO 3/300 WITH 8 M WIDTH. ## **RESPONDENTS’ EXHIBITS:** EXHIBIT R5(A) TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGEMENT DATED 02.02.2022 IN WPC 396/2022 FILED BY SRI.M D FAIZ EXHIBIT R5(B) TRUE COPY OF THE BILL OF QUANTITIES OR THE AGREEMENT SCHEDULE EXHIBIT R5(C) TRUE COPY OF THE LETTERS SENT TO THE PETITIONER URGING HIM TO SUBMIT THE CORRECTED PROPOSAL. EXHIBIT R5(D) TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE PATHETIC CONDITION OF THE ROAD. EXHIBIT R5(E) TRUE COPY OF THE TENDER OF THE BALANCE WORK BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT AFTER GETTING APPROVAL FROM W.P.(C) No. 1323 & 6039 of 2023 : 27: THE 2ND RESPONDENT CHIEF ENGINEER ,ROADS, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. EXHIBIT R5(F) TRUE COPY OF THE DETAILS OF THE TENDER OPENED ON 04.03 .2023 True Copy PS To Judge. rv