Authority: High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur
Order Date: 04.08.2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: M/s D Dubey Borewells, represented by Director Deepak Dubey, seeks payment of an admitted bill of ₹10,49,914 for drilling borewells and installing submersible power pumps in Gram Panchayat Semardarri, Block Marwahi.
- Respondents: State of Chhattisgarh (through Secretary, Tribal Welfare Department), Project Director DRDA, Assistant Commissioner Tribal Development, Sub Divisional Officer (Revenue), CEO Janpad Panchayat, Secretary Gram Panchayat, and Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat.
- The petitioner alleges completion of work, issuance of satisfaction certificate, approval of the bill, and repeated representations, yet payment remains withheld.
- State counsel states that the requisite amount has been released and made available to the concerned authority, though earlier withheld under the Assistant Commissioner’s order.
- Respondents No.6 and 7 argue the amount is disputed, claiming no formal work order was issued to the petitioner, though they acknowledge the work was executed and the Assistant Commissioner’s recommendation dated 19‑07‑2022 to release dues.
Final Outcome
- The Court finds that the amount has been allocated by the State Government and the Assistant Commissioner’s recommendation exists.
- Without expressing opinion on the merits, the Court directs the petitioner to submit a fresh representation before the competent authority, attaching a certified copy of this order and the completion/satisfaction certificate.
- The competent authority/Gram Panchayat must consider the representation, examine all relevant documents, provide a hearing to parties, and pass a reasoned order within 45 days of receipt.
- The Court clarifies it has not adjudicated the rival claims and the authority must decide independently in accordance with law.
Topics: Payment Dispute, Rural Infrastructure