SHASHIKANT MADHAVRAO GADE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard. Rule. Rule is made returnable forthwith. Learned AGP waives service for respondent Nos.1 and 2. Learned Senior advocate Mr. V.D. Hon instructed by Mr. Ashwin V. Hon waives service for respondent No.3. At the joint request of the parties, the matter is heard finally at the stage of admission.

(2.) By this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India the petitioner is challenging the work order dtd. 21/2/2024 issued by respondent No.2 to respondent No.3 who was the lowest bidder and instead directing the former to issue it to the petitioner who was the second lowest bidder.

(3.) It was a tender notice published by respondent No.2 - Collector on 11/1/2024 for supply of water by tankers in district Ahmednagar during the year 2024. The petitioner as also respondent No.3 submitted their offers. The petitioner raised objection to the bid of respondent No.3, whereupon, the Collector called upon respondent No.3 to comply. The financial bids were opened even when respondent No.3 was still non-compliant, the work order was issued to him.