G. Ashoka Reddy vs State Of Karnataka & Ors

M.I. Arun, J

The petitioner is a water supply contractor, whose services was availed by respondent no.4. However, payments as agreed upon has not been made to the petitioner. Hence, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition with the following prayers:

i) Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the 4th Respondent to settle the arrears amounting to Rs.47,20,198/-towards supply of water made by the petitioner through tankers during the months of June 2020 to September 2020 vide Annexure-C which is pending for nearly 5 years forthwith and;

ii) Direct the respondent No.4 to pay the arrears amount of Rs.6,77,275/- for the period 01.09.2019 to 15.04.2020 as per the Communication issued by Respondent No.4 vide Annexure-H, apart from the above amount and;

iii) Direct the respondents / 4th respondent to pay the interest @ 21% per annum on the total arrears amount of Rs.53,97,473/-(Rs.6,77,275/- + Rs.47,20,198/-) from the date of submission of the Bill till the date of its realization and;

iv) Direct the respondents to pay the cost of Rs.3,00,000/- towards the conveyance, miscellaneous and other expenses incurred to follow up the payment of arrears of bill submitted by the petitioner and;

v) Grant such other relief/s as this Hon'ble Court deems fit in the facts and circumstances of the case including the costs of this petition, in the interest of justice and equity."

Respondent no.4 admits its liability to pay the petitioner. However, it is submitted that due to financial constraints the same could not be paid within time.

In respect of the sum of Rs.47,20,198/-, the amount due as per Annexure-C to the writ petition, respondent no.4 has filed an affidavit dated 25.02.2026, which is taken on record, wherein it is proposed to pay the amounts as follows:

"(i) A sum of Rs.15,60,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Lakhs Sixty Thousand only) on 15.04.2026,

(ii) A sum of Rs.15,60,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Lakhs Sixty Thousand only) on 15.05.2026,

(iii) A sum of Rs.16,00,198/- (Rupees Sixteen Lakhs One Hundred and Ninety Eight only) on 15.06.2026"

Learned counsel for respondent no.4 submits that the said payments will be made.

In respect of some due as per Annexure-H to the writ petition (Rs.6,77,275/-), learned counsel appearing for respondent no.4 submits that the said amount will be paid on by 15.07.2026. He submits that interest on the amount due may be waived. Petitioner is agreeable for the same.

Hence, the following:

ORDER

(i) Respondent no.4 is directed to pay the amounts due to the petitioner as mentioned in paragraph nos.3 and 5 cited supra on the agreed dates. Failing which, the payment shall carry an interest at the rate of 6% per annum from the due dates mentioned in paragraph nos.3 and 5 cited supra;

(ii) Petitioner is also directed to furnish the details of his bank account for the purposes of payment;

(iii) The writ petition stands disposed of accordingly.

Pending interlocutory applications, if any, stand disposed of.