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Judgment
The matter has been heard via video conferencing.
Heard Mr. P K Shahi, learned senior counsel along with Mr. Brisketu Sharan Pandey, learned counsel for the petitioners; Mr. Uday Shankar
Sharan Singh, learned GP 19 along with Mr. Uday Bhanu Singh, learned AC to GP 19 for the State and Mr. Lalit Kishore, learned senior counsel
along with Mr. Manish Dhari Singh, learned counsel for the Bihar State Road Development Corporation Ltd. (BSRDCL).
The petitioners have moved the Court for the following reliefs:
‘a.  For  quashing  and  setting  aside  the debarment order issued vide letter BSRDC Ltd.3384/2020-1180 Patna dated
15.04.2021 issued under signature of the Chief General Manager (Respondent No. 5), as contained in Annexure P1, by which petitioners have been
debarred from participating in all future tenders of the Respondent No. 5 in the most arbitrary manner, contrary to principles of natural justice, illegally
as well as having without jurisdiction.
b. For declaring that the action of the Respondent No. 5 is arbitrary, malafide, malicious, colourable exercise of power, violation of principles of natural
justice as well as without jurisdiction.
c. For further passing such an order or orders for which the petitioners are entitled under the law in the facts and circumstances of this case.’
Learned senior counsel for the petitioners submitted that the order impugned has been passed visiting them with serious civil consequences without
giving any opportunity or show cause to explain, which is totally impermissible in law.
On a response sought by the Court on this short point, learned senior counsel for BSRDCL submitted that the matter be remanded to the author of
the order dated 15.04.2021 (respondent no. 5), which is impugned in the present writ application (Annexure- P/1), for passing a fresh order.
Learned counsel for the petitioners readily agreed to the same. However, he submitted that the Court may indicate that opportunity of hearing,
including personal hearing, be given before a fresh decision is taken by the respondent no. 5 in the matter.
In view of the aforesaid agreed position, the writ petition stands disposed off by setting aside the order dated 15.04.2021 issued by the respondent
no. 5 under Letter No. BSRDC Ltd.3384/2020-1180, Patna. He shall pass a fresh order, in accordance with law, after giving an opportunity of
hearing, including personal hearing, if so desired by the petitioners, within two months from today.
At this juncture, learned counsel submitted that the first day when the petitioners would appear before the respondent no. 5 be indicated so that the
matter is expedited and not left pending.
The Court finds substance in the suggestion.
Accordingly, as agreed between the parties, the petitioners shall appear before the respondent no. 5 at 11.00 AM in his office on 5th July, 2021.
Upon doing so, the respondent no. 5 shall fix a date when he shall afford hearing to the petitioners and thereafter the matter shall be concluded within
two months by the respondent no. 5 by passing a fresh order, in accordance with law.
It goes without saying that respondent no. 5 shall serve a formal show cause notice on the petitioners on the day of appearance so that they are
able to reply.
The Court would clarify that it has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the matter.