Authority: High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla
Order Date: 17 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: Timco Steel Company and others; Respondents: State of Himachal Pradesh and others.
- Issue: Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) dated 10 June 2026 (Code No. M‑84) originally set closing date 14 July 2026; a subsequent notice changed it to 13 July 2026, allegedly curtailing petitioner’s right to apply.
- Allegations: Incorrect newspaper publication (Amar Ujala) listed 13 July 2026, portal blocked on 13 July, preventing submission; petitioner claimed prejudice.
- Respondent’s position: Email notice on 18 June 2026 informed empanelled contractors of revised publication; financial bid not yet opened; petitioner was aware.
- Court observations: Misprint in Amar Ujala caused discrepancy; respondents failed to issue corrigendum; prejudice arose solely from erroneous newspaper date; financial bid still unopened.
Final Outcome
- Writ petition allowed; court directed that the e‑tender portal be reopened or petitioner be permitted to submit documents physically, to be effected by 22 July 2026.
- Respondents instructed to proceed with the tender process expeditiously to avoid further delays.
- All pending miscellaneous applications disposed of.
Topics: Tender Process, Legal Relief