WP(C) 3052/2008 BEFORE THE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE B.K. SHARMA Heard Mr. A.M. Buzarbaruah, learned counsel for the petitioner a s well as Mr. HRA Choudhury, learned Sr. Counsel for the respondent No. 7. This writ petition has been filed challenging validity and legal ity of the order dated 30.6.2008 settling the particular ferry ghat with the res pondent No. 7 for the period from 1.7.2008 to 30.6.2009. While it is the case of the petitioner that such settlement has been made in the form of extension of earlier lease period, it is the case of th e respondent No. 7 that such settlement has been made in view of the fact that a lthough the respondent No. 7 was the highest successful bidder in respect of the NIT issued in 2006, same could not be operated by him due to the on going litig ation. Thus, according to the respondent No. 7, it is not a case of extension of earlier period, but in fact the settlement was made pursuant to the NIT issued in 2006. Considering the matter in its entirety and in view of the fact t hat now hardly three months is left, by which time, the lease period will expire , I dispose of this writ petition directing the respondents to initiate tender p rocess for settlement of the ferry ghat as expeditiously as possible. Whatever s teps required to be initiated for finalizing the settlement, same shall be carri ed out within the aforesaid period of three months. Writ petition is disposed of.