The Meghalaya High Court has mandated the state government to initiate a new tender process for supplying aluminium roofing sheets to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, with a deadline of three months for completion. Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew annulled the previous tender process outlined in the Notice Inviting Quotation (NIQ) dated September 10, 2024, and invalidated the associated work orders granted to two companies: Meghalaya Roofing in the Industrial Area of Umiam and Power Roofing at EPIP Byrnihat.
In the ruling, the court emphasized the need for a transparent and clear NIQ, instructing the state to outline definite requirements. Additionally, the court dismissed writ petitions filed by Manaksia Aluminium Company Limited, requiring each party to bear its own legal costs. Earlier, the court had inquired why the state restricted the supply bids to a limited number of manufacturers.
The court’s inquiry revealed lingering questions regarding whether the amendments to the eligibility criteria, or the continued requirement for registration under the Meghalaya Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (MIIPP), significantly altered the bidding process. Manaksia Aluminium Company Limited contested several stipulations in the original NIQ, which required residency and operational manufacturing units in Meghalaya, as well as registration and licenses from relevant District Councils.
In response, the state government issued a corrigendum that relaxed some requirements, allowing bonafide Indian citizens to participate and suggesting a preference for local manufacturing. However, Manaksia argued that the mandatory MIIPP registration effectively barred them from bidding, since this requirement necessitates having a manufacturing unit based in Meghalaya. The legal representation for the petitioner was provided by Philemon Nongbri, while the government was represented by Additional Advocate General ND Chullai and Government Attorney ZE Nongkynrih.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/05/14/hc-orders-govt-to-put-up-fresh-tender-for-supply-of-cgi-sheets/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-05-14 04:28:00
