IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.8860 of 2009 RAM SAGAR PATHAK Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS ----------- 2 3.8.2009 The petitioner seeks a direction to the respondent authorities to make payment of his admitted dues amounting to Rs.5,10,418/- along with interest of 15% per annum from the date of completion of the work of sinking 342 boring in Sahebpur Kamal Block, Begusarai under the scheme of District Rural Development Fund, Minor Irrigation Department, Bihar, Patna. It appears that the work was done way back in 1991-92. Pursuant to some complaints, criminal cases were lodged in respect of other contractors and all payments withheld. The money having already been received was transferred in civil deposit with the Treasury. It may be noted that so far as the petitioner is concerned, there was no case against him. Several similarly situated persons were acquitted in the criminal case and enquiry was set up with regard to work done. The claim of the petitioner was verified and it would appear that a sum of Rs.5,10,418/- was due to him. The aforesaid fact would also appear from memo no.1296 dated 30.6.2009 of Director, D.R.D.A., Begusarai as well as memo no. 562 dated 2.7.2009 of Block Development Officer, Sahebpur Kamal. Pursuant to the verification, the Collector vide his memo no.3576 dated 16.11.2008 has written to the Principal Secretary, Minor Irrigation Department, Government of Bihar, Patna for 2 KHAN permission to withdraw the money from civil deposit and make payments. It may be noted that the amount sanctioned and deposited in the civil deposit in Begusarai is Rs.85 lacs against the total liability of petitioner and other persons of Rs.70.494 lacs as assessed by the D.D.C. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that some other contractors similarly situated have moved this court earlier in which this court had allowed compensation by way of 6% interest over the said amount from the date it was due till the date it is paid. Having heard counsel for the parties, this court is of the view that the amount as deposited in the civil deposit be immediately withdrawn for payment of the petitioner’s admitted dues, as per the verified statement of DDC, as appended to the Collector’s letter to the Principal Secretary, Minor Irrigation Department. This court further directs that the aforesaid amount be paid to the petitioner immediately along with 6% interest thereon w.e.f. 1.4.2007 till the date it is paid. With the aforesaid observations and directions, this writ petition stands disposed of. (S.P.Singh,J)