JOIN USThe High Court, on Monday, extended the stay of prequalification tenders by Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) for Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout to take up works for formation of the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout.
Hearing a petition by V Manjunath and others, who moved the High Court stating the tenders cannot be issued without taking into possession the total land of 4,043 acres, the division bench, comprising Chief Justice D H Waghela and Justice B V Nagarathna, extended the stay and adjourned the matter. During the hearing, counsel for BDA, defended the authority’s action stating that acquiring the entire extent of 4,043 acre would take time and work will be delayed.
The petitioners pointed out that BDA had invited bids from three firms, Hyderbad-based NCC Limited, Madhucon Private Limited and BSCPL Infrastructure Limited at a cost of Rs 991.25 crore for construction of 24-metre wide roads.
The petitioners said BDA has succumbed to pressure and has not taken possession of entire land of 4,043 acres. “It appears BDA top brass have pushed these tenders to appease the State government and fund the poll campaign.” the petitioners said in their submission.
Stating that the authorities have violated several norms while issuing pre-qualification tenders and are guilty of proceeding with negotiation of the bid in a hurry, which is arbitrary in nature, the petitioners pointed out that the negotiable rates are much higher than the amount put to tenders in respect to five packages.