Jacob Steel And Aluminium Industries, Sreekaryam Post vs General Manager, Southern Railway Head Quarters Office

N.Nagaresh, J

The petitioner states that they are Railway Contractors, who have undertaken works as per Ext.P1 agreement. The work undertaken by the

petitioner was completed in all respects to the satisfaction of the 1st respondent-General Manager, Southern Railway. The petitioner raised Ext.P2

final bill for an amount of ₹19,39,628.37 in the year 2019. However, the bill has not been settled so far. Furthermore, the amount is also due under the

GST neutralisation. The petitioner in this writ petition seeks a direction to settle the bill expeditiously.

2.  The learned Standing Counsel for the respondents submitted that the Railways is facing severe financial crisis and the respondents should be

given a reasonable time to settle the bill amount. The learned Standing Counsel would further submit that the payment of bills in respect of many

contractors are delayed and they are taking all efforts to make the payment on a priority basis.

3.  Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents.

4.  In view of the facts submits by the learned Standing Counsel for the respondents, this Court is of the view that the respondents should be

granted reasonable time to settle the amount.

Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of directing the respondents to settle the bills of the petitioner within a period of four months.