Date on which Order/Judgment was reserved : 13.07.2026 & 20.07.2026 Date on which Order/Judgment was pronounced : 31.07.2026 Date on which Order/Judgment was uploaded on the website of the High Court : 31.07.2026 APHC010002512025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI (Special Original Jurisdiction) [3327] FRIDAY, THE 31st DAY OF JULY 2026 PRESENT THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE K SREENIVASA REDDY WRIT PETITION NO: 179/2025, 29050 of 2024, 29079 of 2024, 29140 of 2024, 29134 of 2024, 3783 of 2025, 3632 of 2025, 3781 of 2025, 3627 of 2025, 2298 of 2025, 3597 of 2025, 3612 of 2025, 8819 of 2025, 4046 of 2025, 4039 of 2025, 3614 of 2025, 19838 of 2024, 19825 of 2024, 19816 of 2024, 19791 of 2024, 15559 of 2024, 28412 of 2024, 2289 of 2025, 34068 of 2025, 4212 of 2026, 27582 of 2024, 13063 of 2024, 21771 of 2024, 13034 of 2024, 21662 of 2024, 26498 of 2024, 26322 of 2024, 23306 of 2024, 22736 of 2024, 1979 of 2025, 1958 of 2025, 1929 of 2025, 1930 of 2025, 1798 of 2025, 1839 of 2025, 1790 of 2025, 1791 of 2025, 31104 of 2024, 233 of 2025, 30994 of 2024, 31063 of 2024, 28084 of 2024, 26448 of 2024, 26492 of 2024, 27613 of 2024, 8822 of 2025, 8824 of 2025, 8826 of 2025, 8850 of 2025, 5127 of 2026, 28796 of 2024, 29012 of 2024, 28980 of 2024, 28851 of 2024, 28804 of 2024, 28850 of 2024, 28978 of 2024, 28273 of 2024, 28199 of 2024, 28197 of 2024, 13016 of 2024 and 25106 of 2025 Writ Petition No.179 of 2025: Between: 1. DPRAVEEN KUMAR REDDY,, S/O. D.TULASI REDDY, AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS, OCC- CONTRACTOR, R/O.D.NO.5-5-89, ULIMELLA VILLAGE, PULIVENDULA MANDAL, YSR KADAPA DISTRICT. ...PETITIONER A N D 1. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP. BY ITS PRINCIPAL SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 2 SECRETARY, PANCHAYAT RAJ ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT SECRETARIAT, VELAGAPUDI, GUNTUR DISTRICT. 2. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP. BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY FINANCE DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT VELAGAPUDI, GUNTUR DISTRICT. 3. THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, PANCHAYAT RAJ DEPARTMENT, KADAPA, YSR KADAPA DISTRICT. 4. THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, PRI DIVISION, PULIVENDULA, YSR KADAPA DIVISION. ...RESPONDENT(S): Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed therewith, the High Court may be pleased to issue appropriate writ, direction, order or orders, more particularly one in the nature of Writ of Mandamus in questioning the action of the respondents in not releasing bill payment for the work i.e.. Construction of Protection wall for the Road from Dondlavagu - Peddakudala Road to Thernampalli (0/2 to 0/4 to 0/4 to 0/6 Km) Dondlavagu Village of Lingala Mandal in YSR Kadapa District for the estimated contract value of work of Rs. 11,30,754/- in respect of the bill amount of Rs.11,81,719/- for the work executed by the petitioner despite the claim for the payment of bill amount is raised (Token No.2024- 173539) as illegal, arbitrary and violative of Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India and consequently direct the respondents to release an amount of Rs.11,81,719/- towards the bill amount for the works executed by the petitioner and to pass IA NO: 1 OF 2025 Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased may be pleased to direct the respondents to release an amount of Rs.11,81,719/-towards bill amount for the works executed by the petitioner i.e.. Construction of Protection wall for the Road from Dondlavagu - Peddakudala Road to Thernampalli (0/2 to 0/4 to 0/4 to 0/6 Km) Dondlavagu Village of Lingala Mandal in YSR Kadapa District, pending disposal of the Writ Petition and pass Counsel for the Petitioner: 1. K NAVEEN KUMAR Counsel for the Respondent(S): 1. GP FOR PANCHAYAT RAJ RURAL DEV 2. GP FOR FINANCE PLANNING The Court made the following: SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 3 THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE K SREENIVASA REDDY WRIT PETITION NOs: 179 of 2025, 29050 of 2024, 29079 of 2024, 29140 of 2024, 29134 of 2024, 3783 of 2025, 3632 of 2025, 3781 of 2025, 3627 of 2025, 2298 of 2025, 3597 of 2025, 3612 of 2025, 8819 of 2025, 4046 of 2025, 4039 of 2025, 3614 of 2025, 19838 of 2024, 19825 of 2024, 19816 of 2024, 19791 of 2024, 15559 of 2024, 28412 of 2024, 2289 of 2025, 34068 of 2025, 4212 of 2026, 27582 of 2024, 13063 of 2024, 21771 of 2024, 13034 of 2024, 21662 of 2024, 26498 of 2024, 26322 of 2024, 23306 of 2024, 22736 of 2024, 1979 of 2025, 1958 of 2025, 1929 of 2025, 1930 of 2025, 1798 of 2025, 1839 of 2025, 1790 of 2025, 1791 of 2025, 31104 of 2024, 233 of 2025, 30994 of 2024, 31063 of 2024, 28084 of 2024, 26448 of 2024, 26492 of 2024, 27613 of 2024, 8822 of 2025, 8824 of 2025, 8826 of 2025, 8850 of 2025, 5127 of 2026, 28796 of 2024, 29012 of 2024, 28980 of 2024, 28851 of 2024, 28804 of 2024, 28850 of 2024, 28978 of 2024, 28273 of 2024, 28199 of 2024, 28197 of 2024, 13016 of 2024 and 25106 of 2025 C O M M O N O R D E R The Writ Petitioners in the batch of these Writ Petitions, who are Contractors and firms are claiming the respective amounts for executing the respective contract works assigned to them by the respondent authorities. Since the point involved in all these Writ Petitions is one and the same, at request of all the counsel, they are being taken up together and disposed of, by this Common Order. 2. In these Writ Petitions, the Writ Petitioners are seeking to declare the action of the respondents in not releasing the payments for the bills submitted for execution of the respective SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 4 works by them, and consequently, seek direction to the respondents to release the pending bill amounts for the said works executed by the Writ Petitioners. 3. Heard all the learned counsel appearing for the parties on record. 4. The Writ Petitioners claim to be Civil Contractors. The details of the works claimed to have been executed by the Writ Petitioners and the amounts claimed due by them for execution of the respective works, are as under: Sl. No. Writ Petition No. Description of Works executed by the petitioner Amount Claimed 1. W.P.No.179 of 2025 Construction of Protection Wall for the road from Dondlavagu – Peddakudala Road to Thernampalli (0/2 to 0/4 to 0/4 to 0/6 km) Dondlavagu Village of Lingala Mandal in YSR Kadapa District. Rs.11,81,719/- 2. W.P.No.29050 of 2024 1. Providing Filter and Motor (SP Set) near Papagni River and Construction of Dhobi Ghat at Kuppam Village and Gram Panchayat of Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR District. Rs.19,33,681/- 2. Providing CC Road from Obul Reddy House to Devara House in Marellamadaka Village and Gram Panchayat of Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR District. 3. Providing CC Road from Bhushanam House to Obul Reddy House in Marellamadaka Village and Gram Panchayat of Chakrayapeta, YSR District. SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 5 4. Providing CC Road from Devara House to Sedabavi in Marellamadaka Village and Gram Panchayat of Chakrayapeta, YSR District. 3. W.P.No.29079 of 2024 Providing Painting and Electrification to SW Hostel for Girls at Nallapureddypalli Village of Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.10,04,592/- 4. W.P.No.29140 of 2024 Construction of Toilet and Water Supply, near Banukota Temple of Ahobhilapuram Village of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.10,25,760/- 5. W.P.No.29134 of 2024 Construction of Library Building at Vemula (V & M), YSR Kadapa District. Rs.19,62,974/- 6. W.P.No.3783 of 2025 Construction of 6 Nos. Single Row Pipe Culvert on Balapanuru to Kamasamudram Road in Balapanuru (V & GP) of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.16,29,779/- 7. W.P.No.3632 of 2025 Construction of Low Level Vented Causeway on Peddakudala Dova near Ravi prakash fields in Balapanuru (V & GP) of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.20,61,833/- 8. W.P.No.3781 of 2025 Construction of Low Level Vented Causeway on Kuchalaku Dova near Pullareddy Thota in Balapanuru (V & GP) of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.15,09,428/- 9. W.P.No.3627 of 2025 Providing BT Road to the road from K.Velamavaripalli to Pulivendula of Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.30,75,997/- 10. W.P.No.2298 of 2025 Construction of Side Drainage, near BC Colony at Ravulakolanu Village of Simhadripuram Mandal. Rs.15,62,060/- SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 6 11. W.P.No.3597 of 2025 Construction of Low Level Vented Causeway on Madhava Vanka Dova in Balapanuru (V & GP) of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.21,49,776/- 12. W.P.No.3612 of 2025 Construction of Low Level Vented Causeway and Protection Wall across Pandulakonda Vanka in Balapanuru (V & GP) of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.13,77,806/- 13. W.P.No.8819 of 2025 Construction of Compound Wall to Hindu Burial Ground at katlagantivaripalli (V), Kallurupalli (GP), Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.19,00,986/- 14. W.P.No.4046 of 2025 Providing Borewell RO Plant and Epoxy flooring inside the Banana Cold Storage in Brahmanapalli Village, Pulivendula (M), YSR Kadapa District. Rs.23,43,256/- 15. W.P.No.4039 of 2025 Levelling and earthwork filling at East side of Banana Research Centre, Nallapureddypalli (V) of Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.19,64,247.95 paise 16. W.P.No.3614 of 2025 Construction of Low Level Vented Causeway on Peddakudala Dova near Mohinuddin fields in Balapanuru (V & GP) of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.19,67,751/- 17. W.P.No.19838 of 2024 Drilling 369 bore wells under YSR Jalakala Bore Well works in different Mandals in Pulivendula Constituency. Rs.48,31,975/- 18. W.P.No.19825 of 2024 Drilling 369 bore wells under YSR Jalakala Bore Well works in different Mandals in Pulivendula Constituency. Rs.53,40,527/- 19. W.P.No.19816 of 2024 Drilling 369 bore wells under YSR Jalakala Bore Well works in different Mandals in Pulivendula Constituency. Rs.50,41,512/- SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 7 20. W.P.No.19791 of 2024 Drilling 369 bore wells under YSR Jalakala Bore Well works in different Mandals in Pulivendula Constituency. Rs.32,96,229/- 21. W.P.No.15559 of 2024 1. Providing Balance CC Road BC Colony road from existing road dam to BC Colony at K.Yerragudi (V & GP) of Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.36,57,068/- 2. Providing 1000 mm dia Pipe Culvert to the Thinamanakala Narava near BC Colony Village of K.Yerragudi GP of Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. 22. W.P.No.28412 of 2024 Improvements to the Masjid in Nallapureddypalli, H/o. Erraballi GP of Pulivendula Mandal of YSR Kadapa District. Rs.11,56,263/- 23. W.P.No.2289 of 2025 Providing internal CC Road from Ramanamma House to Narasimha Reddy House of Nersupalli GP of Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.6,34,610/- 24. W.P.No.34068 of 2025 Renovation of Old Veterinary Hospital Building at Nagulaguttapalli Village, Surabhi Gram Panchayat, Chakrayapeta Mandal of YSR Kadapa District. Rs.5,00,000/- 25. W.P.No.4212 of 2026 Construction of CC road from water tank to the house of Hanumantha Reddy in Pendluru (V & GP) of Vemula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.8,92,598/- 26. W.P.No.27582 of 2024 Construction of Compound Wall to Gangamma Temple in Thallapalli Village and Gram Panchayat, Vempalli Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.13,39,930/- 27. W.P.No.13063 of 2024 Completion of incomplete Community Hall at Gavi Malleswaraswamy Temple Rs.23,54,006/- SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 8 in Vempalli (V & GP) of Vempalli Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. 28. W.P.No.21771 of 2024 Construction of Compound Wall and CC Road to GS & RBK Buildings in Vempalli-1 of Vempalli Village and Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.18,44,838/- 29. W.P.No.13034 of 2024 Construction of Community Hall at Gavi Malleswara Swamy Temple, Vempalli Village and Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.83,38,415/- 30. W.P.No.21662 of 2024 Construction of IV x 1000 mm dia pipe culverts on the road from PAV Road to Pamulur Road at Ayyavaripalli Village, Vempalli Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.8,82,096/- 31. W.P.No.26498 of 2024 Construction of Vented Causeway across Nalla Vanka for the road from Y.Kothapalli to Kacherlakunta of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.68,56,549/- 32. W.P.No.26322 of 2024 1. Providing of Galvanized Sheet shed for Kalyanamandapam and Construction of Office Room in the premises, relating to Sri Racharaya Swamy and Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Chakrayapeta (V & M) of YSR Kadapa District. Rs.67,23,830/- 2. Completion of incomplete Kalyanamandapam near Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Chakrayapeta (V & M) of YSR Kadapa District. 33. W.P.No.23306 of 2024 Construction of Compound Wall to Siddeswaraswamy Temple at Bandlayyagaripalli Village in Surabhi GP of Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.19,23,647/- SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 9 34. W.P.No.22736 of 2024 Providing Fencing and Retaining Wall to integrated pack house at Bramhanapalli Village of Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.80,00,000/- 35. W.P.No.1979 of 2025 Construction of Compound Wall to Digital Library at Atchavelli (V & GP) of Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.15,34,896/- 36. W.P.No.1958 of 2025 Construction of RCC Pipe Culvert of 1000 mm dia. NP3 Class Pipes of 4 Rows Culvert to Pilla Vanka between Sivalayam – Burial Ground in Goturu (V & GP) of Thondur Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.12,82,356/- 37. W.P.No.1929 of 2025 Completion of incomplete Grama Sachivalayam Building at E.Kothapalli (V & GP) of Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.4,43,149/- 38. W.P.No.1930 of 2025 Completion of incomplete Health Clinic Building at E.Kothapalli (V & GP) of Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.4,24,070/- 39. W.P.No.1798 of 2025 Completion of incomplete Culvert for the road from Atchavelli to Jalaparthi at Atchavelli GP of Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.13,33,926/- 40. W.P.No.1839 of 2025 Construction of Anganwadi Centre Building at Kanepalli Atchavelli GP of Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.11,75,365/- 41. W.P.No.1790 of 2025 Construction of Compound Wall to New Grama Sachivalayam Complex at Muthukuru (V & GP) of Vempalli Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.17,07,217/- 42. W.P.No.1791 of 2025 Construction of Compound Wall to Gangamma Temple in Chinthalajuturu Village and G.P. of Vemula Mandal, Rs.11,45,024/- SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 10 YSR Kadapa District. 43. W.P.No.31104 of 2024 Completion of incomplete Protection Wall to Sivalayam Temple at Chillekampalli Village and Gram Panchayat, Chakrayapeta Mandal, PRI Vempalli, PRI Pulivendula, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.3,55,996/- 44. W.P.No.233 of 2025 Providing CC Road from Sivaiah fields to Rama Mohan Reddy fields of Dondlavagu Village of Lingala Mandal in YSR Kadapa District. Rs.19,76,986/- 45. W.P.No.30994 of 2024 1. Providing CC Road from Bukka Peddi Reddy House to OHSR new (Water Tank) at Isukachintalapalli, Kotturu Village of Chkrayapeta Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.26,35,083/- 2. Construction of Compound Wall to Park near MPDO Office in Chakrayapeta Village and Gram Panchayat of Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. 46. W.P.No.31063 of 2024 Repairs to Building and Toilets for Polling Station No.265 at Gandikovvuru Village of Gandikovvuru Gram Panchayat, Chakrayapeta Mandal, Vempalli, PRI Pulivendula, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.4,39,230/- 47. W.P.No.28084 of 2024 Construction of Protection Wall to Vaagu near SC Colony in Kathaluru (V&GP) of Vempalli Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.35,27,728/- 48. W.P.No.26448 of 2024 Construction of Compound Wall to Grama Sachivalayam Office and Digital Library in Y.Kothapalli Village of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.22,82,788/- SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 11 49. W.P.No.26492 of 2024 Providing Road Dam and Slab Culvert to the road from Simhadripuram – Musalreddypalli R & B road to Y.Kothapalli of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.33,93,061/- 50. W.P.No.27613 of 2024 Construction of Compound Wall to BC Burial Ground in Bhumaiahgaripalli (V) of Meedipentla GP of Vemula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.33,09,110.12 paise 51. W.P.No.8822 of 2025 Completion of incomplete Bulk Milk Collection Unit in Kovaramguttapalli (V&GP) of Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.19,32,315/- 52. W.P.No.8824 of 2025 Construction of Protection Wall and Compound Wall to Muslim Burial Ground in Lingala (V & GP) of Lingala Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.16,99,926/- 53. W.P.No.8826 of 2025 Formation of Gravel road from Parnapalli to Chinnakotla Village (Gandikota Water Point to Sathya Sai Pump House) of Parnapalli (V & GP) of Lingala Mandal. Rs.3,83,020/- 54. W.P.No.8850 of 2025 Completion of incomplete Bulk Milk Collection Unit in Velidandla (V & GP) of Lingala Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.18,41,907/- 55. W.P.No.5127 of 2026 Construction of 8VX 1000 mm Dia Pipe Culvert near Lothu Vanka at Kondavandlapalli Village of Marellamadaka Gram Panchayat of Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.12,82,463/- 56. W.P.No.28796 of 2024 Completion of incomplete items in Wellness Center of New Grama Sachivalayam Complex at B.T.Palli Village of Surabhi GP of Chakrayapeta Mandal. Rs.4,53,353/- SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 12 57. W.P.No.29012 of 2024 Providing New Pump Set its and accessories for Two Habitations in E.Kothapalli Village of Pulivendula Mandal. Rs.10,45,605/- 58. W.P.No.28980 of 2024 Providing CC Pavement from Km 6/124 to 6/161 & 6/400 to 7/200 (Nallapureddypalli Village Limits) CC Patchwork for Pulivendula- Ambakapalli-Murarichintala Road in YSR Kadapa District. Rs.16,93,265.32 paise 59. W.P.No28851 of 2024 Construction of Compound Wall to Grama Sachivalayam premises at B.T.Palli of Surabhi (V & GP) of Chakrayapeta Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.12,61,210/- 60. W.P.No.28804 of 2024 Completion of incomplete items in RBK Building and Construction of Sump, Septic Tank of New Grama Sachivalayam Complex at B.T.Palli Village of Surabhi GP of Chakrayapeta Mandal. Rs.4,49,201/- 61. W.P.No.28850 of 2024 Providing Pipe Drain (UGD) at Paidipalem village of Simhadripuram Mandal. Rs.26,61,805/- 62. W.P.No.28978 of 2024 Augmentation of PWS Scheme to Karnapapayapalli Village of Lingala Mandal. Rs.16,59,217/- 63. W.P.No.28273 of 2024 Construction of Compound Wall to Burial Ground in Kota (V) of Meedipentla GP of Vemula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.24,63,671/- 64. W.P.No.28199 of 2024 Construction of Rythu Barosa Kendram at Vemula Village and GP of Vemula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. Rs.14,48,437/- 65. W.P.No.28197 of 2024 Construction of Compound Wall to Grama Sachivalayam Complex at E.Kothapalli Village and GP of Rs.12,99,177/- SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 13 Pulivendula Mandal, YSR Kadapa District. 66. W.P.No.25106 of 2025 Construction of Wall to Grama Sachivalayam Building in Alireddypalli Village and Gram Panchayat, Vempalli Mandal, YSR District. Rs.10,03,582/- 67. W.P.No.13016 of 2024 Construction of Retaining Wall (Cantilever Type) at Building outside gravel filling, dismantling of old buildings, preparation work for old building site near Government School at Mandal Mini Secretariat Complex at Pulivendula, YSR District. Rs.49,68,849/- 5. It is the case of the Writ Petitioners that they executed the aforesaid respective works as per the Agreements entered into, with the respondents, and the respondent authorities examined and scrutinized the same, and made entries in the M-Book, but the respondent authorities are not taking steps to release the amounts to the Writ Petitioners. Though the Writ Petitioners approached the respondent authorities on multiple occasions, requesting for payment of pending bills amount, the authorities are not releasing the amounts due to them. According to the Writ Petitioners, having executed the works satisfactorily, within the prescribed time, non- payment of the bills amount is arbitrary and unjustified, and the delay in payment is causing severe financial hardship, SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 14 necessitating the filing of the present Writ Petitions seeking appropriate directions for release of the outstanding amounts. 6. Respondent No.10-the Director General, Vigilance & Enforcement, Vijayawada, filed counter-affidavit in Writ Petition No.19791 of 2024, denying the contents of the Writ affidavit, inter alia contending that pursuant to the Orders of this respondent, vide Memo No.0215/V&E/Engg./2025-2, dated 03.04.2025, the Regional Vigilance and Enforcement Officer, Kadapa had undertaken inquiry in respect of works sanctioned under the PADA (Pulivendula Area Development Authority) Programme. It is further contended that out of 4,935 works sanctioned under the said programme, 3,510 works were executed. During initial phase of inquiry, 279 works were taken up randomly for investigation and an interim report in respect thereof was submitted to this respondent on 24.10.2025. (b) It is further stated in the counter-affidavit that during the course of inquiry, serious irregularities were noticed in 92 works, warranting proposals for recovery of amount to a tune of Rs.8.95 crores. The irregularities included – claims made towards agreement items that were found unexecuted during the field verification, submission of false information regarding existing SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 15 commitments and turnover, inflation of turnover figures, and production of fabricated and forged experience certificates for securing tenders in violation of G.O.Ms.No.94, dated 01.07.2003. Thereafter, in order to facilitate a comprehensive examination of the remaining executed works under the PADA Programme, further instructions were issued vide Memo No.0215/V&E/Engg./2025, dated 01.04.2026. (c) It is further stated that the Vigilance Inquiry is independent of the statutory and administrative functions of the executing Departments relating to the scrutiny, processing, and release of payments, and this respondent had neither issued any direction, restraining the competent authorities from considering the claim of the Contractors who executed the works nor advised them to await completion of the Vigilance Inquiry before taking an appropriate decision in accordance with applicable Rules. It is further stated that the findings, if any, of the Vigilance and Enforcement Department, are only advisory and recommendatory in nature, and are placed before the competent authorities for such action as may be deemed appropriate in accordance with law. In the event any irregularity warranting recovery is noticed subsequently, it is always open to the competent authorities to SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 16 initiate appropriate action in accordance with law. Therefore, the petitioners cannot attribute the alleged non-release of payments to any action or omission on the part of this respondent. Hence, it is prayed to dismiss the Writ Petition. 7. Perused the entire material available on record. 8. A perusal of the material on record goes to show that there is no dispute with regard to the fact that the respondent authorities assigned the respective contract works, as mentioned supra, to the respective Writ Petitioners. Grievance of the Writ Petitioners is that though they executed the said contract works within the stipulated time to the satisfaction of the respondent authorities, the respondent authorities are not releasing the payments covered under the bills that were submitted by the Writ Petitioners for the amounts spent by them for executing the respective works. 9. Many of the subject Writ Petitions were instituted in the years 2024 and 2025, and some of them in the month of February, 2026. As per Rule 12 (i) (a) of the Writ Proceedings Rules, 1977 of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, every respondent in every Writ Petition intending to enter appearance and oppose any Writ Petition on which notice is issued by the High Court, shall enter SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 17 appearance and file a Counter Affidavit in opposition as soon as may be and in any event one hundred and twenty days from the date of service of notice in the Writ Petition or the Service of Rule nisi on the said Respondent. Despite adjourning the Writ Petitions from time to time for filing counter-affidavits by the respondents, the counter-affidavits have not been filed within the stipulated period of 120 days as per the Writ Proceedings Rules, 1977. Therefore, this Court is constrained to proceed with the Writ Petitions basing on the material available on record. 10. Learned Assistant Government Pleader for Finance and Planning submits that during the period from 2019 to 2024, certain developmental works were executed under the erstwhile PADA, and subsequently, the PADA was closed by the Government in the year 2024. 11. A perusal of the material on record goes to show that even according to the respondents, there is no dispute with regard to execution of the respective works by the Writ Petitioners, and the Writ Petitioners’ entitlement for the net amount. On this aspect, it is pertinent to refer a Judgment of the Hon’ble Apex Court in M/s. Utkal Highways Engineers and Contractors v. Chef General SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 18 Manager & Ors.1, wherein the Hon’ble Apex Court held as under: (paragraph No.8) “Be that as it may, the High Court has not dealt with the merits of the Writ Petition. Moreover, it is not an inviolable rule that no money claim can be adjudicated upon in exercise of Writ jurisdiction. Non-payment of admitted dues, inter alia, may be considered an arbitrary action on the part of respondents and for claiming the same, a Writ Petition may lie. Further, throwing a Writ Petition on ground of availability of alternative remedy after 10 years, particularly, when parties have exchanged their affidavits, it not the correct course unless there are disputed questions of fact which by their very nature cannot be adjudicated upon without recording formal evidence.” 12. It is also pertinent to refer to a decision of the Hon’ble Apex Court in Hari Krishna Mandir Trust v. State of Maharashtra and Others2 wherein it is held as under: (paragraph Nos.100 and 101) “100. The High Courts’ exercising their jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, not only have the power to issue a Writ of Mandamus or in the nature of Mandamus, but are duty-bound to exercise such power, where the Government or a public authority has failed to exercise or has wrongly exercised discretion conferred upon it by a statute, or a rule, or a policy decision of the Government or has 1 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1400 2 AIR 2020 Supreme Court 3969. SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 19 exercised such discretion mala fide, or on irrelevant consideration. 101. In all such cases, the High Court must issue a Writ of Mandamus and give directions to compel performance in an appropriate and lawful manner of the discretion conferred upon the Government or a public authority.” 13. Further, in Kashmir Wood Products v. Verinag Development Authority and Others3, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir held as under: (paragraph No.8) “8. It is astonishing to note that despite there being no dispute as regards the claim of the petitioners, the respondents have sit over the matter for the last more than six years and they have not released the payment in favour of the petitioner. If the requisite funds were not available with the respondents, they had no business to allot the work to the petitioner and if in spite of financial constraints, the respondents have made the petitioner to execute the work out of his own funds, it is their bounden duty to reimburse the petitioner at the earliest, that too with interest.” Since, in the case on hand, the amounts payable are admitted and undisputed, non-payment thereof amounts to arbitrary action on the part of the respondents, and hence, the Writ Petitions are maintainable. 3 2021 SCC OnLine J&K 814. SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 20 14. The only contention of the learned Assistant Government Pleader is that a Vigilance Inquiry was initiated basing on the complaints received with regard to some irregularities that occurred in execution of PADA works, and that the Director General (Vigilance and Enforcement), Vijayawada is conducting inquiry and the Inquiry Report is awaited. According to the respondents, since Vigilance Inquiry is contemplated and report is awaited, the respective amounts payable to the Writ Petitioners have been kept pending. On this aspect, a perusal of the counter- affidavit filed by the Director General, Vigilance & Enforcement, Vijayawada goes to show that the Vigilance Inquiry is independent of the statutory and administrative functions of the executing Departments, relating to scrutiny, processing and release of payments and that, the said authority had not issued any direction restraining the authorities competent, from considering the claim of the Contractors, and it had not advised them to await completion of the Vigilance Inquiry before taking appropriate decision in regard to the claims. From the said counter-affidavit, it is clear that in the event, any irregularity, warranting recovery is noticed subsequently, it is open to the competent authorities to initiate appropriate action in accordance with law. In regard to pendency of Vigilance Inquiry, it is also pertinent to refer to a decision rendered by Coordinate SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 21 Bench of this Court, in Katta Chinna Kotaiah v. The State of Andhra Pradesh4 wherein, this Court held as under: “The Apex Court and this Court in catena of decisions held that when there is non-payment of the undisputed bills, the same is violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India. The counsel for the petitioner rightly placed reliance on the decision of the Apex Court in M/s. Surya Constructions v. State of Uttar Pradesh and others [(2019) 16 SCC 794], following the judgment in ABL International Ltd. v. Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd. [2004 (3) SCC 553]. In view of the Apex Court judgment, the contention of the learned Government Pleader that the Writ Petition is not maintainable before this Court could not be countenanced. The bills of the petitioner dated 13.03.2019 are admitted by the respondents and forwarded for payment after due measurements and obtaining quality control and the Vigilance report. Hence, the authorities are stopped from stating that the bills are submitted without executing the works. On the mere ground of pendency of Vigilance report, payment cannot be stopped. Accordingly, there shall be a direction to the respondents to pay the bill amount of Rs.8,08,828/- to the petitioner within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order.” 15. In the case on hand, the only ground for not releasing the amounts to the Writ Petitioners/Contractors is that the authorities are awaiting Vigilance Inquiry Report. As held in the aforesaid decision, mere pending receipt of the Vigilance Inquiry Report is not a ground to withhold the payments. Even according to 4 MANU/AP/0721/2022. SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 22 the counter-affidavit filed by the Director General, Vigilance and Enforcement, Vijayawada, the Writ Petitioners cannot attribute the alleged non-release of payments to any action or omission on the part of the said respondent, and that the said respondent had neither issued any direction, restraining the competent authorities from considering the Writ Petitioner’s claim nor advised them to await completion of the Vigilance Inquiry before taking appropriate decision in accordance with the applicable Rules. When an instrumentality of the State acts contrary to the public good and public interest, unfairly, unjustly and unreasonably, in its contractual, constitutional or statutory obligations, it really acts contrary to the constitutional guarantee found in Article 14 of the Constitution of India. It is not the case of the respondents that the contracts in question were obtained either by fraud or misrepresentation. When once the respondent No.10, in clear terms stated that the action or omission on the part of this respondent cannot be attributed for non-release of payments, there is no other reason for the respondent authorities in not releasing the amounts in favour of the Writ Petitioners. Therefore, in the aforesaid circumstances, in the considered opinion of this Court, mere pending receipt of the Vigilance Inquiry Report is not a SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 23 ground for withholding the amounts for the works which are admittedly executed by the Writ Petitioners. 16. The Hon’ble Apex Court in Surya Constructions v. State of Uttar Pradesh and Others5 held as under: (paragraph Nos.3 and 4) “3. It is clear, therefore, from the aforesaid Order dated 22.03.2014 that there is no dispute as to the amount that has to be paid to the appellant. Despite this, when the appellant knocked at the doors of the High Court in a Writ Petition being Writ Civil No.25216 of 2014, the impugned judgment dated 02.05.2014 [Surya Construction v. State of U.P., 2014 SCC OnLine All 6071] dismissed the Writ Petition stating that disputed questions of fact arise and that the amount due arises out of a contract. We are afraid the High court was wholly incorrect inasmuch as there was no disputed question of fact. On the contrary, the amount payable to the appellant is wholly undisputed. Equally, it is well settled that where the State behaves arbitrarily, even in the realm of contract, the High Court could interfere under Article 226 of the Constitution of India (ABL International Ltd. v. Export Credit Guarantee Corpn. Of India Ltd. [ABL International Ltd. v. Export Credit Guarantee Corpn. of India Ltd., (2004) 3 SCC 553]). 4. This being the case and the work having been completed long back in 2009, we direct Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam to make the necessary payment within a period of four weeks from today. Given the long period of delay, interest @ 6% p.s. may also be awarded.” 5 (2019) 16 SCC 794. SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 24 17. Apart from this, when State or State instrumentalities act in an arbitrary manner or fail to act within time, the Writ Court does have jurisdiction to entertain the matter. 18. Learned counsel appearing for the Writ Petitioners submit that in respect of other Districts, the Government authorities have released the amounts in favour of the respective Contractors, who executed the works, but in respect of the District in which the subject works were executed, the respondent authorities withheld the amounts without there being any justifiable reason. This Court is not inclined to go into this aspect. 19. In view of the foregoing discussion and having regard to all the facts and circumstances of the case, in respect of the bills for the works executed by the respective Writ Petitioners up to Rs.25.00 lakhs, the respondent authorities are directed to pay the said amount to the respective Writ Petitioners within a period of Four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. In respect of the bills for the other works executed by the respective Writ Petitioners which are above Rs.25.00 lakhs, the respondent authorities are directed to pay the said amount to the respective Writ Petitioners within a period of Eight (8) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is made clear that in the event of SRK, J W.P.No.179 of 2025 & Batch 25 any irregularity noticed in the Vigilance Inquiry Report, warranting recovery, it is open to the authority concerned to initiate appropriate action in accordance with law. 20. Accordingly, the Writ Petitions are disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs of these Writ Petitions. As a sequel, interlocutory applications pending, if any, in these Writ Petitions shall stand closed. JUSTICE K. SREENIVASA REDDY 31st July, 2026. DNB/DRK