Simplified Explanation of the Judgment
In this case, the Patna High Court dealt with a writ petition filed by a contractor against the Building Construction Department of Bihar. The petitioner had completed work for the department but claimed that his contractual dues remained unpaid.
The writ petition sought a direction for release of the payment. During the pendency of the case, the State released the full outstanding dues of ₹14,10,759 (fourteen lakh ten thousand seven hundred fifty-nine) to the petitioner.
When the matter was taken up, the petitioner’s lawyer confirmed receipt of the payment. The State’s counsel also confirmed compliance.
Since the entire claim had been satisfied, the Court held that nothing survived in the writ petition and accordingly disposed it of.
The order was passed on 11 February 2021 by a Single Judge Bench of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil Kumar Sinha.
Significance or Implication of the Judgment
- For contractors and suppliers: This case shows that approaching the High Court can push departments to clear admitted dues, but once payment is made, the petition is closed.
- For government departments: It reflects that pending payments to contractors may lead to litigation, and timely settlement avoids adverse orders.
- For the legal system: It highlights how writ petitions are often used as a remedy to expedite payment of undisputed dues from government departments.
Legal Issue(s) Decided and the Court’s Decision
- Issue 1: Should the writ petition continue once admitted dues are paid during pendency?
Decision: No. Since the petitioner received the entire amount, the writ petition was disposed of as infructuous.
Case Title
Krishna Kumar v. State of Bihar & Others
Case Number
Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No. 7398 of 2020
Citation(s)
2021(1) PLJR 675
Coram and Names of Judges
- Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil Kumar Sinha
Names of Advocates and who they appeared for
- Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh — for the petitioner
- Mr. Uday Shankar Sharan Singh, GP-19 — for the State
Link to Judgment
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