Laishram Sanjoy Singh v. Vice Chancellor, Central Agriculture University (Cau) and 2 Others

Order

18.02.2025 [1]

Heard Mr. M. Hemchandra, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. Ashif Shah, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. BP. Sahu, learned senior counsel assisted by Ms. H. Kunjeshori, learned counsel for the respondents. [2]

The petitioner who is one of the agencies of Manipur State Co-Operative Union – Technical Engineering Cell, Lamphelpat, Manipur now renamed as Engineering Cell of Skill, Labour Employment & Entrepreneurship Department, Government of Manipur (SLEE) submitted Expression of Interest (EOI) in pursuance to the project for construction of 2 (two) OBC boys and girls hostel (100 capacity each under centrally sponsored scheme) for Central Agriculture University. Initially invitations were sought from 8 agencies including the petitioner herein and later on, it was increased to 12 including original 8 (eight). [3]

In pursuance to the above, the petitioner earlier submitted Expression of Interest (EOI) dated 30.10.2023 for the construction of two numbers of hostels (100 bedded for each boys and girls) in the campus of the College of Food Technology at Lamphelpat, Imphal along with the agreement in the prescribed form. It is stated that the project was initiated in the year 2022 for which initial approval/convey has already been given by the Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare Justice and Empowerment, Government of India vide letter dated 01.09.2022. [4]

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that there is no progress in the finalization of the project and in this respect, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 29.01.2025 to the Vide-Chancellor, Central Agriculture university (CAU), Lamphel, Imphal, Manipur and to the Director of Instruction, Central Agriculture University

(CAU), Imphal, Manipur for completing the process of awarding the contract work for planning, designing and construction of 2 (two) nos. of OBC hostel as intimated earlier. [5]

By the present writ petition, the petitioner approached this Court with the following prayers:

"(i) To admit the preset writ petition.

(ii) To issue rule nisi calling upon the respondent to show cause as to why prayer made by the petitioners shall not be granted in the facts and circumstances of the present petition.

(iii) To issue a writ in the nature of mandamus/or any other appropriate writ/directions/orders, directing to conclude/expedite the awarding of the contract work to the deserving agency for planning, designing and construction of 02 nos. of OBC Hostel (100 bedded each) having a total built up area of 1215 sqm (G+2) in the campus of college of Food Technology at Lamphelpat, Imphal on turnkey basis at an estimated cost of Rs. 6,99,44,614/- (Rupees six crore ninety nine lakh forty-four thousand six hundred and fourteen only) in terms of the EOI No. CAU/ENGG/Const.OBC-Hostel/2023/875 dated 21.10.2023 and application ref No. 133/EE/MSCUTEC/OBC-Hostel/CAU/2023-24/397 dated 30.10.2023 (At Annexure-A/6 & A/7), in the facts and circumstances of the present case.

(iv) To issue a writ in the nature of Mandamus/or any other appropriate writ/directions/orders, directing to consider and dispose of the representation dated

29.01.2025 (Annexure-A/9) submitted by the petitioner as expeditiously as possible, in the facts and circumstances of the present case.

(v) If no cause is shown or insufficient cause is shown, make the rule absolute.

(vi) To call for the relevant records.

(vii) To pass any order/writ/directions which the Hon'ble Court deems fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the present case."

[6]

During the course of hearing, Mr. M. Hemchandra, learned senior counsel for the petitioner, submits that it will suffice for the petitioner if representation is disposed of by the respondents within stipulated time. [7]

Mr. BP. Sahu, learned senior counsel for the respondents, is agreeable to the submission of learned senior counsel for the petitioner for issuing an innocuous order for disposal of the representation dated 29.01.2025. [8]

Recording the submissions made at the bar, writ petition is disposed of by directing the respondents to dispose of the representation by a speaking order within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. [9]

It is made clear that this Court does not express any opinion on the merit of the case. [10]

Furnish a copy of this order to the learned counsel appearing for the parties.

JUDGE

Kh. Joshua Maring KH. JOSHUA MARING Date: 2025.02.20 10:17:01 +05'30'

Item No. 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF MANIPUR AT IMPHAL WP(C) No. 122 of 2025 Laishram Sanjoy Singh …..Petitioner/s - Versus – Vide Chancellor, Central Agriculture University (CAU) & 2 Ors. .... Respondent/s BEFORE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A. GUNESHWAR SHARMA