M/S Star Event Management v. Ut of J and K and Ors (Tourism Department))

O R D E R

19.09.2024

¶1Petitioner claims that he has provided logistic support for celebration of Gulmarg Literary Festival (Iconic) in pursuance of Order bearing no.GDA/F-721/2021/2073-A/80 dated 25th October 2021, for an amount of Rs.18.78 Lacs. It is stated that respondents have not released aforesaid amount, forcing petitioner to knock at the doors of this Court with instant writ petition.

¶2Learned counsel for petitioner would contend that the Government of J&K conducted an Iconic Festival at Gulmarg on 26th October 2021, followed by Gulmarg Literary Festival on 27th October 2021, in connection with celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahaotsav (India @ 75). In the said event various dignitaries partook to grace the occasion. For making the said event successful, Expression of Interest was invited by virtue of e-tender by respondents from registered local Event Management/Companies/ Services/dealers. In response thereto, petitioner S.no.28 Supplementary Cause List

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also quoted rates. His rates were found lowest bidder. And, accordingly, petitioner was, by virtue of letter dated 25th October 2021 (Annexure I to writ petition), directed to supply the items contained therein. Petitioner in compliance of abovementioned order completed the work in due course of time and submitted his work done claim to the tune of Rs.18.78 Lacs for providing logistic by way of installing hoardings, decoration, illumination etc. In this regard, she has invited attention of this Court to communications (Annexure II, III & IV to writ petition) to substantiate that the admitted payment of Rs.18.78 Lacs is yet to be released in favour of petitioner. According to learned counsel, petitioner is being unnecessarily thrown from pillar to post under the garb of bureaucratic wranglings, which constrained him to approach this Court.

¶3Learned counsel for petitioner, while concluding the submissions to bolster the case set up by petitioner, has stated that petitioner would feel satisfied if respondents are directed to release the admitted outstanding amount of Rs.18.78 Lacs within fixed timeframe and to that extent instant writ petition may be disposed of. To the suggestion proposed by learned counsel petitioner, it is stated by learned counsel for respondents that petitioner's case would be considered strictly in accordance with rules governing the field.

¶4In view of above, writ petition is disposed of and respondents are directed to effectively consider the release of admitted outstanding amount due to petitioner in accordance with rules governing the field. Let such exercise be completed within four weeks from the date copy of this order is served upon respondents.

¶5Disposed of. (Vinod Chatterji Koul)

Judge Srinagar

19.09.2024 Ajaz Ahmad, Secy.

Page 1 WP(C) no.2167/2024 CM no.5809/2024 HIGH COURT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH AT SRINAGAR … WP(C) no.2167/2024 CM no.5809/2024 M/s Star Event Management through its Proprietor Feroz Ahmad Ganai aged about 37 years S/o Ali Mohammad Ganai R/o Rawalpora, Srinagar …….Petitioner(s) Through: Ms Syed Ainain Qadiri, Advocate Versus 1. Union Territory of J&K through Chief Secy., Govt. of J&K, Civil Sectt. Sgr/Jmu 2. Commr/Secy to Govt. Tourism Deptt. J&K Govt. Civil Sectt, Sgr/Jmu 3. Director, Tourism Deptt. Kashmir, Sgr 4. Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, Gulmarg ………Respondent(s) Through: Mr. Syed Musaib, Dy.AG CORAM: HON'BLE MR JUSTICE VINOD CHATTERJI KOUL JUDGE