Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court’s decision that allowed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to proceed with opening financial bids for two major infrastructure projects valued at ₹14,000 crore.
Project Details
The contested projects involve: A 5 km tunnel from Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel Junction at Shilphata. A 9.8 km elevated road along the Thane-Ghodbunder Road, including a creek bridge connecting Bhayandar to Ghodbunder Road in Thane.
These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity between Thane and Mira-Bhayandar and are considered significant infrastructure undertakings in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
L&T’s Legal Challenge
L&T contends that after submitting both technical and financial bids on December 30, 2024, it received no communication regarding the status of its technical bid. The company alleges that while other bidders were informed about the opening of financial bids scheduled for May 13, it was excluded without explanation. L&T argues this lack of transparency violates principles of fair tendering processes.
Represented by senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Janak Dwarkadas, L&T filed two petitions in the Bombay High Court seeking to halt the bid opening.
Bombay High Court’s Decision
On May 20, 2025, the Bombay High Court dismissed L&T’s petitions. The court noted that L&T had accepted the tender terms and participated without prior objections. It also criticized L&T for suppressing material facts in its plea. While acknowledging potential issues in the tender conditions, the court emphasized the public importance of the projects and allowed MMRDA to proceed with opening the financial bids. However, it directed that L&T’s price bids be preserved in a sealed cover for two weeks, permitting the company to seek relief from the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Proceedings
L&T has now filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, challenging the Bombay High Court’s decision. The apex court is scheduled to hear the matter on May 23, 2025.
Implications for the Infrastructure Sector
This legal dispute underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to fair practices in large-scale infrastructure projects. The outcome of this case may set precedents for future tendering processes and could influence how public authorities manage communications with bidders.
*This article is based on information available as of May 21, 2025. For the latest updates, please refer to official court records and statements from the involved parties.*
