Bombay High Court Dismisses Challenge to Maharashtra's Subsidised Ration Kits Tender

The Bombay High Court has dismissed petitions against the Maharashtra government's tender process for distributing subsidised ration kits under the Anandacha Shidha scheme for Ganesh Chaturthi. Despite recognizing the merit of the petitioners' case, the court cited the short timeframe to supply the kits as a reason not to interfere.

The Bombay High Court on Monday dismissed petitions challenging the Maharashtra government's tender process for distributing subsidised ration kits to 1.7 crore beneficiaries under the Anandacha Shidha scheme for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar ruled that given the advanced stage of the tender process and the limited time available for supplying food kits, court intervention was unnecessary.

''We are not inclined to interfere at this stage. The petitions are dismissed,'' the court stated.

On Friday, the high court had requested the state government to halt any further steps in the tender process until the judgment was announced on Monday.

Subsequently, on Monday, Sharan Jagtiani, counsel for the petitioners, sought additional time to file an appeal in the Supreme Court.

The bench, however, refused the extension, stating the petitions' dismissal was grounded in the urgent need to supply the food kits, and further relief could not be granted.

''Despite the merit of your case, given the short deadline for food kit distribution, we decided against interference. Personal interests must take a back seat in such matters,'' the court remarked.

Originally introduced for Diwali, the state government extended the subsidised food kit scheme to Gudi Padwa and has now included Ganesh Chaturthi. The kit includes a kilogram each of rava (suji), chana dal, sugar, and a litre of soybean oil.

Several companies, including Indo Allied Protein Foods Pvt Ltd, Gunia Commercials Pvt Ltd, and Kendriya Bhandar, moved the court against specific tender conditions.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf defended the conditions, emphasizing the need for timely food kit distribution given the upcoming festival's proximity.

(With inputs from agencies.)