Supreme Court Sets Aside Mining Tender: “Previous Year” Means Year Before Bid
The Supreme Court emphasized that judicial review in tender matters ensures fairness and non-arbitrariness under Article 14. It held that misinterpretation of a tender condition, which wrongly excludes the highest bidder and deprives the state of revenue, vitiates the decision-making process. The court underscored the state's duty to maximize public value in natural resource auctions.
Facts Of The Case:
The case involved a public auction for a five-year sand quarry lease in Odisha. The appellant, M/s Shanti Construction Pvt. Ltd., was the highest bidder but its bid was rejected by the Tender Committee for allegedly failing to comply with Rule 27(4)(iv) of the Odisha Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016. The rule required submission of an Income Tax Return for the "previous Financial Year...