What is concept of reimbursement of unjust enrichment regarding Government Contract?

 Taking into account the legal position as enunciated in these judgments, the impugned award holds that the absence of a contract would not deprive the respondent/contractor from a reasonable remuneration for the work performed. The view taken in the impugned award is plausible, and based on an application of law laid down in the judgements referred to therein. Reference is also apposite to the judgment of a co-ordinate bench of this Court in M.C.D. v. Ravi Kumar, MANU/DE/4058/2017, where this Court had occasioned to specifically consider an identical issue, viz :-

"(i) Whether in absence of a formal agreement/contract awarding additional works to the respondent, the respondent is entitled to make a claim for such work?"

{Para 30}

31. As regards the above issue, this court held as under :-

"12. Interpreting the said provision, Supreme Court in case of Mulamchand v. State of Madhya Pradesh MANU/SC/0009/1968 : AIR 1968 SC 1218, held that in the absence of a formal contract between Dominion of India and a private individual not in the form required by Section 175(3) of the Government of India Act, 1935, the same was void and cannot be enforced, however, at the same time, if money is deposited and goods are supplied or if services are rendered in terms of the void contract, the provisions of Section 70 of the Indian Contract Act may be applicable and where a person has lawfully done something for other not intending it to be done gratuitously and the other person enjoys the benefit thereof then such other person shall become liable to make compensation to the former in respect of, or to restore, the things so done or delivered.

 IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI

O.M.P. (Comm) 405/2023, IA Nos. 19196/2023 and 19198/2023

Decided On: 03.10.2023

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. Vs. Vihaan Networks Ltd.

Hon'ble Judges/Coram:

Sachin Datta, J.

Citation: MANU/DE/6799/2023.

Read full Judgment here: Click here.

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