B SHREEPATHY RAO Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition stated to have been filed in public interest, in essence challenges the tenders floated by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The tender, covered by tender document No. 212/2/99-B(d) relates to contract for FM broadcasting through private agencies.

(2.) Some of the eligibility conditions of applicants are as follows:

(3.) Petitioner No. 1 states that the read a news item in Financial Express. Delhi Edition dated 1st August, 2000 about a proposal to issue letters of intent to various companies registered in India for broadcasting services at 40 centres in respect of FM broadcasting for which licenses are issued by the respondent. With reference to a decision of the Apex Court in AIR 1995 SC 1236, it is submitted that broadcasting media is intended to be under the control of the public as distinct from the Government and such a concept is implicit under Art. 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, 1950.