withholding of payments in view of the letter received from the Forest department. It can also be seen that the copy of the letter dated 27.11.2018 stated above was also marked to M/s MSPL. Therefore, it can be assumed that the petitioners were well aware of such instructions given to BESCOM for withholding the payments. The petitioners have not taken any action for challenging the legality of the said letter. In the final order passed in writ appeals it was held that principal Chief Conservator of Forests or anybody authorised by him under law shall hear the petitioners in detail and take action in accordance with law and further it is specifically held that thereafter it is open for the petitioners to challenge the same in the manner known to law. It can be said that the letter dated 27.11.2018 was issued pursuant to the Order passed in the writ appeal. It can also be seen that on the request of the petitioners for arranging payments to meet their urgent needs, the BESCOM had made representations to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru, requesting to clarify as to whether the pending bills could be released or not. Further, BESCOM has also taken legal opinion as to whether it should pay the pending bills. It appears the legal opinion was to the effect that payment could be made after clearance from the Forest department. The interest is usually charged against the wrongful withholding of the debt. In the present case, it cannot be concluded that