MANOJ KUMAR VERMA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The instant writ petition has been filed by the petitioner in WPA No. 13131 of 2025, challenging inter alia, the rejection of a bid dated May 8, 2025 for leasing under lot No 12381-SLR-R1-HWH-NDLS-25-1 coupled with forfeiture of the earnest money to the tune of Rs.7,45,321.00

(2.) Apropo, the facts made out in the ;Writ Petition' is that the petitioner is a proprietorship firm engaged in the business of transportation of goods of various natures under the name and style of ;Vishal Enterprise'. The petitioner has submitted his bid and became the highest bidder pursuant to a tender notification dated May 8, 2025 for leasing of a parcel space in SLR coach of 12381, ex HWH to NDLS Poorva express. The petitioner has been declared as the highest bidder. At the outcome of the tender process, the petitioner has secured the business commitments from customers to ensure smooth execution of the lease work, but as such no formal agreement has been executed with the railway authorities. The petitioners bid has been cancelled by the railway authorities by forfeiting the earnest money to the tune of Rs.7,45,321.00 without serving any formal notice and/or order of cancellation by the railway authorities, subsequently the same could be unravelled from the online portal.

(3.) The E-Auction process of the Railway Administration and subsequent conferment of leasehold right is at present is overall guided and regulated by F.M Circular No. 11 of 2022 read with Circular No. 12 of 2022 along with Standard Conditions of Contract.