M/S. Lanco Infratech Limited, v. the Chief General Manager
Case brief
What is this about?
The petitioner, a construction company, challenged the respondent's tender evaluation process for a steam generator package, seeking a stay on price bid opening. The petitioner claimed the respondent was acting arbitrarily by rejecting clarifications and favoring other bidders. The Court examined the record, noting repeated delays by the petitioner in providing technical compliance despite extended deadlines. Relying on precedents regarding judicial restraint in administrative and contractual matters, the Court held that it cannot substitute its opinion on technical commercial decisions unless there is proof of arbitrariness or malafides. Finding the petitioner failed to prove eligibility and the process was not tainted by illegality, the petition was dismissed.
What did the court decide?
Petitioner's prayer forbidding the respondent from proceeding further with bidding and opening price bids is dismissed. Connected miscellaneous petition closed. No costs awarded.