THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION Nos.25703, 25708 and 25757 of 2009 April 20, 2010 Between: Naralasetty Bhooshanam, S/o.Satyanarayana … Petitioner And The Government of Andhra Pradesh, represented by its Chief Principal Secretary, Department of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Committee (RWS &S), Secretariat, Hyderabad And others ... Respondents THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION Nos.25703, 25708 and 25757 of 2009 COMMON ORDER: In these matters, petitioners are contractors. They were entrusted with underground drainage works. They completed works and bills were submitted. When they were not paid, present writ petitions are filed. The respondents opposed writ petitions inter alia placing reliance on Clause 14 of the agreement, which is to the effect that employer can pay the bills as and when funds are available. Both the counsel agreed that similar question was raised in W.P.Nos.1010, 1011, 1029 and 1030 of 2010. By order dated 09.2.2010, this Court disposed of the said writ petitions observing as under. Three years have elapsed, ever since the petitioners were entrusted the works and the execution thereof was completed. Failure or refusal to pay the bills for a long period would certainly cause hardship to the petitioners. Normally, the works are allocated within the limits of the amount sanctioned in the budget. The respondents cannot take advantage of the clause, relating to availability of funds. In case, the works are launched without verifying the financial condition, it amounts to mal-administration. The delay on such grounds is prone to give rise to several unlawful practices, such as lobbying. The respondents cannot further delay the payment of the amounts. … … … Hence, the writ petitions are disposed of directing the respondents to settle the bills of the petitioners, preferably, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs. Following the same, these writ petitions are disposed of, in the above terms. ______________ (V.V.S. RAO, J) April 20, 2010 YS