Brihan
Mumb. Ele. Sup. Trans. Undertaking .& An Vs. Laqshya Media P. Ltd.&
Ors. [2009] INSC 1765 (1 December 2009)
Judgment
IN THE
SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NO.7907 OF
2009 (Arising out of S.L.P. (C) No. 363 of 2009) Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply
Transport Undertaking & Anr. .... Appellant(s) Versus Laqshya Media P. Ltd.
& Ors. .... Respondent(s) WITH CIVIL APPEAL NOS.7908 & 7909 OF 2009
(Arising out of S.L.P.(c) Nos. 426 & 510 of 2009)
P.
Sathasivam, J.
1.
Leave granted.
2.
All these appeals are directed against the final order and
judgment dated 19.11.2008 passed by the High Court of Judicature at Bombay in
Writ Petition No. 1344 of 2007 whereby the High Court allowed the writ petition
filed by Laqshya Media Private Limited and Alok Jalan of Mumbai and set aside
the work orders/contracts awarded to Bennett 1 Coleman & Co. Ltd.- Respondent
No. 4 and Prithvi Associates- Respondent No. 5 by the Brihan Mumbai Electric
Supply & Transport Undertaking (hereinafter referred to as the
"BEST") in respect of Bus Queue Shelters and directed the BEST to
invite fresh tenders as required under Section 460M of the Mumbai Municipal
Corporation Act, 1888 (in short "MMC Act"). Aggrieved by the said
order, the BEST has filed S.L.P.(C) No. 363 of 2009, Prithvi Associates has
filed S.L.P.(C) No. 426 of 2009 and Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. has filed S.L.P.
(C) No. 510 of 2009. Since all the appeals question the correctness of the very
same order of the High Court, they are being disposed of by the following
common order.
3.
For convenience, let us refer the parties as arrayed in Civil
Appeal arising out of SLP (C) No. 363 of 2009. Laqshya Media Pvt. Ltd. and one
Alok Jalan of Mumbai (Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 herein) approached the High Court
of Bombay under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking to issue a
writ of mandamus in the nature of direction to the BEST, an undertaking of the
State of Maharashtra (Appellant No. 1 herein) to invite fresh tenders from the
public by terminating 2 the work orders/contracts awarded to Bennett Coleman
& Co. Ltd and Prithvi Associates - Respondent Nos. 4 & 5 herein under
the tender and to restrain the BEST from extending or modifying the terms of
the work orders/contracts awarded to Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 following the
tender system.
According
to the appellants, on 31.03.2005, the BEST floated a tender for awarding
contracts of sole agency for advertisement rights on Bus Queue Shelters in
Brihan Mumbai for 2005-2008. For operational ease, the entire area of Brihan
Mumbai was divided into three lots, namely, Lot No.1 - Eastern Suburbs, Lot No.
II - the Western Suburbs and Lot No.III - the City. Tenderers were required to
offer lump- sum display charges for the period of contract, i.e., till
December, 2008. The tenders received would be evaluated on the basis of total
lump-sum display charges offered by the tenderers for an individual lot. The
contract would be awarded for individual lots to different agencies depending
on the offers received. Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 herein, also participated in
the said tender for awarding contracts of sole agency for advertisement rights
on Bus Queue Shelters in 3 Brihan Mumbai. But, as Bennett Coleman & Co.
Ltd. (in short `BCCL') - Respondent No. 4 was the highest bidder for Lot No. II
- the Western Suburbs and Lot No.III - the City and Respondent No. 5, Prithvi
Associates was the highest bidder for Lot No. I - the Eastern Suburbs, the
tender came to be allotted in favour of them. However, no formal contract was
signed between the BEST and the BCCL and the Prithvi Associates and that the
tender came to be allotted on the basis of the acceptance letters/work orders
issued by the BEST which was contrary to Clause 24 of the Conditions of
Contract.
1.
2.
3.
4.
In December, 2006, the BEST floated the offer document for
erection of Bus Queue Shelters in place of existing Bus Stop Poles and display
of advertisement thereon under "First Finder Scheme" (hereinafter
referred to as the `Scheme').
Respondent
Nos. 1 and 2 tendered their bid for the Scheme. It was their grievance that the
tender having been called only for display of advertisement on existing Bus
Queue Shelters till 31.12.2008 not only is an unilateral extension thereof but
an act of arbitrariness and discrimination. It is their further grievance that
under the guise of extension, BEST favoured 4 BCCL and Prithvi Associates by
granting them a long extension and new benefits under the original tender. The
action of the authorities in negotiating for extension of the work orders
without issuing tenders and their action in refusing to act in fair and
transparent manner or to disclose their intention are arbitrary,
discriminatory, illegal, mala fide, contrary to the terms of the tender and
violation of the fundamental rights and thereby deprived Respondent Nos. 1 and
2 of their rights guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of
India, hence, they prayed for appropriate directions by way of writ of
mandamus.
5.
Before the High Court, the BEST filed an affidavit through its
Chief Engineer explaining their stand. It was stated therein that under the
Scheme there is no question of competitive bidding and parties are free to
choose the specific Bus Stops they wish to develop. The writ petitioners
(Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 herein) themselves selected 22 bus stops under the
Scheme without competitive bidding.
Respondents
4 & 5 who, under their earlier licences/contracts dated 09.06.2005 and
04.07.2005 respectively, had secured 5 the right to advertise on existing Bus
Queue Shelters which was valid till 31.12.2008, were invited by the 2nd
appellant as suggested by the BEST Committee to participate in the Scheme with
reference to the existing bus shelters under their control for modernizing the
same.
6.
It is the further case of BEST that the Government of Maharashtra
had constituted an Empowered Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief
Secretary to monitor the progress of implementation of Mumbai Transformation
Project.
The
Committee consisted of the Chief Secretary and other Secretaries of various
departments. Its agenda, Item No. 2(v) referred to beautification of bus
shelters and Item No. (6) of the said Minutes of the Meeting referred to
presentation to be made on bus shelters and the approval of the model of Modern
Bus Queue Shelters presented by the BEST. As per the decision recorded in the
meeting dated 02.09.2006 of the Empowered Committee, the BEST obtained prior
approval from the BEST Committee vide BCR 474 dated 07.12.2006 for erection of
Bus Queue Shelters in place of bus stop poles and display of advertisement
thereon. The idea was to call for bids 6 to develop the Bus Queue Shelters on
the basis of the Scheme.
Interested
parties such as Respondent Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 5 could bid for as many Bus Stop
Poles as they may wish to develop and were free to choose any location they
preferred.
Consequently,
in implementation of the Scheme, the BEST in the month of December, 2006
offered to interested persons, documents for erection of Bus Queue Shelters in
place of the existing bus stop poles.
7.
In response to the offer put up by the BEST, Respondent Nos. 1
& 2 and other 12 parties came forward with their proposal for
construction/erection of Modern Bus Queue Shelters in place of existing Bus
Stop poles. All the 13 parties were allotted with the work of construction of
modern Bus Queue Shelters. Against 2,384 bus stop poles available under the
Scheme, they were able to award only 483 bus stop poles and that too, to 13
different parties. The Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 had also submitted proposal for
construction of modern Bus Queue Shelters under the Scheme and were successful
in getting 22 BEST bus stop poles. Under the Scheme, there is 7 no tender
procedure and the party who brings their proposal first is entitled to work.
8.
The BEST Committee, by their proceedings, dated 27.12.2006 had
approved the proposal of successful parties under the Scheme. Since the
"Mumbai Transformation Project" related to entire Mumbai, the BEST
Committee, while approving the said proposals, also suggested to the BEST that
it should invite a proposal from Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 who held all Bus Queue
Shelters in Eastern, Western Suburbs and the City till the year 2008 in case
they desire to construct the modern Bus Queue Shelters in place of Old Bus
Queue Shelters under their respective jurisdiction. This suggestion of BEST
Committee had been communicated to Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 with a request to
submit their proposal in the prescribed format. Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 had
existing licences with BEST in respect of display of advertisements on Bus
Queue Shelters. Respondent No. 4 is in possession of 702 Bus Queue Shelters in
the Western Suburbs "Lot No. II" and 717 Bus Queue Shelters in the
City zone "Lot No. III" under Work Order dated 09.06.2005. Respondent
No. 5 is in 8 possession of 724 Bus Queue Shelters in the Eastern Suburbs
"Lot No. I" under Work Order dated 14.07.2005. As per the original
terms of the licences, they were valid up to 31st December, 2008 with an option
to renew up to 31st December 2009. Since, the idea of the Empowerment Committee
was to implement the Mumbai Transformation Project, it was felt that all Bus
Queue Shelters in the city should be modernized including those which are being
operated by Respondent Nos. 4 and 5. Pursuant to the suggestions of the BEST
Committee, the decision was communicated to Respondent Nos. 4 and 5, and they
expressed their interest in constructing modern Bus Queue Shelters as per the
model approved by the Empowerment Committee in the place of existing Bus Queue
Shelters which were under their contract. After prolonged discussion, the
proposal of Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 was put to the BEST Committee for its
consideration with the relevant documents and details. BEST Committee in its
meeting dated 12.06.2007, after detailed discussion, approved the proposal of
Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 with certain modification in the terms and conditions.
By the new contract with Respondent 9 Nos. 4 and 5, the expected increase of
revenue for the BEST is to the tune of Rs. 69 lakhs per month. The aforesaid
contract was for a period of 15 years with effect from 01.10.2007 and
Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 are liable to pay increased rate of display charges as
per the renewed terms. There is neither impropriety nor there is any
illegality. The design of modern Bus Queue Shelters are approved by the
Empowered Committee of Government of Maharashtra and since Respondent Nos. 4
and 5 agreed to reconstruct all the Bus Queue Shelters except those Bus Queue
Shelters which are situated within the Bus Station at their own cost as per the
model approved by the Empowered Committee, the BEST had awarded the said
contract for 15 years with effect from 01.10.2007. Under the present contract,
Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 are required to reconstruct all the Bus Queue Shelters
in the pattern approved by the Empowered Committee and also pay display charges
from 01.10.2007 onwards at the revised rates.
9.
Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 who were awarded contract by the BEST also
filed their affidavit conveying their stand.
10
According to them, there is no illegality in the award of contract since they
were having valid existing licences for the display of advertisements on all
those Bus Queue Shelters till 31st December, 2008 and renewable till 31st
December, 2009 at the told contractual rates. There is no illegality or
impropriety whatsoever. All the reconstructed Bus Queue Shelters are for
greater public good and will provide world class infrastructure to the city of
Mumbai, added to it, the BEST is continuously earning revenue therefrom.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
By the impugned order, the Division Bench of the High Court after
holding that the subject contract had been awarded to Respondent Nos. 4 and 5
bypassing the statutory provisions by negotiation on the terms and conditions
offered by them as if no other party were ready to do it on better terms and
conditions, quashed the Work Order/Contract awarded to Respondent Nos. 4 and 5
and directed the BEST to invite fresh tenders as required under Section 460 M
of MMC Act of 1888.
11.
Heard Mr. G.E. Vahanvati, learned Attorney General for India for
the BEST, Mr. Harish N. Salve, learned senior counsel for Prithvi Associates,
Mr. K.K. Venugopal, learned 11 senior counsel for Bennett Coleman & Co.
Ltd., Mr. Mukul Rohtagi, learned senior counsel and Mr. P.H. Parikh, learned
senior counsel for the Laqshya Media Pvt. Ltd. and for Alok Jalan.
12.
The following issues that are to be considered are:
(i)
Whether the appellants were justified in awarding work order/contract in favour
of Respondent Nos. 4 & 5 without resorting to public tender? (ii) Whether
proviso to sub-section (2) of Section 460M of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation
Act enables the BEST to award contract without inviting tenders? (iii) Whether
the High Court is justified in setting aside the work order/contract to
Respondent Nos. 4 & 5 and directing BEST to invite fresh tenders as
required under sub-section (1) of Section 460M of the Mumbai Municipal
Corporation Act?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Initially, the BEST administration floated a tender in 2005 for
sole advertisement rights on Bus Queue Shelters. It is not in dispute that in
the said tender, Prithvi Associates, BCCL and Laqshya Media P. Ltd. had
participated, however, 12 the contract was awarded to Prithvi Associates and
BCCL - Respondent Nos. 4 & 5 herein. The said contract was for a period of
three years, which was to expire on 31.12.2008 with an option for extension of
one year till 31.12.2009.
Admittedly,
there is no dispute about the said tender. This contract was only for display
of advertisements on the existing Bus Queue Shelters and there was no
obligation on the part of the successful parties to carry out any construction
or maintenance or repairs of the said shelters.
14.
The BEST, in consultation with the Government of Maharashtra,
introduced a Scheme known as "First Finder Scheme" in December, 2006
whereby interested parties were invited to choose and select Bus Queue Poles in
the city of Mumbai, as per their liking, for the purposes of converting them
into modernized Bus Queue Shelters and display of advertisements thereon. It is
relevant to point out that this Scheme contemplated both construction of Bus
Queue Shelters in the place of bus poles, maintenance of the same and also display
of advertisements. This Scheme was for a 13 longer period, i.e., ten years.
Display charges for the said modernized Bus Queue Shelters to be built by the
successful applicants was fixed by the BEST. According to the BEST
administration, 2384 poles were offered under the Scheme out of which 2136 bus
poles were applied for. However, only 483 bus poles were finally allotted
inasmuch as many of the participants had evinced more interest only on the
saleable poles. It was brought to our notice that approximately 1/3rd of the
bus poles could be allotted for conversion into Bus Queue Shelters. Laqshya
Media P. Ltd. - first respondent herein, applied for 200 bus poles and was
finally allotted only 22. It is relevant to mention that bus poles were
allotted on first come first serve basis through open offer and there was no
tender floated by the BEST. Those contracts under the Scheme were allotted
under Section 460K(c) of the Act. Since the response was found to be poor under
the Scheme, a decision was taken to implement the Mumbai Transformation Project
of 02.09.2006. It was considered that, (a) Respondent Nos. 4 & 5 had
contracts valid till December, 2009 extendible till December, 2009; (b) There
were many advertisers already 14 advertising under contracts entered into by
the Appellant and the 4th respondent; and (c) The First Finder Scheme had been
a complete failure as only 1/3rd poles got to be taken. In such a situation, in
order to make a uniform renovation of all bus shelters whether saleable or
non-saleable, the appellants were asked to give their proposals. Under the 2007
contract, the earlier tender contract of 2005 in favour of Respondent Nos. 4
& 5 was extended on the terms and conditions of the Scheme in order to
include all those bus shelters which had been allotted to them for the purposes
of display of advertisements.
By this
extension or new contract, Respondent Nos. 4 & 5 had to construct new and
modernized bus shelters in the entire city of Mumbai. The said decision was
taken pursuant to the Mumbai Transformation Project undertaken by the Empowered
Committee meeting held on 02.09.2006. As stated earlier, the said project
envisaged, inter alia, modernization of all bus shelters and bus poles.
15.
Before going into the correctness of the decision arrived at by
the Empowered Committee and the ultimate work order 15 by the BEST in favour of
Respondent Nos. 4 & 5, it is useful to refer the relevant provisions from
the Act. Section 460A empowers the General Manager to manage the BEST and
perform all acts necessary for the economical and efficient maintenance,
operation, administration and development of the Undertaking. Among the various
provisions, we are very much concerned with Sections 460K, 460L and 460M of the
Act which reads as under:
"460K.
Making of contracts With respect to the making of contracts for the purposes of
the Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (including
contracts relating to the acquisition and disposal of immovable property or any
interest therein, or any right thereto) the following provisions shall have
effect, namely:- (a) every such contracts shall be made on behalf of the
corporation by the General Manager;
(b) no
such contract for any purpose which, in accordance with any provision of this
Chapter, the General Manager may not carry out without the approval or sanction
of some other municipal authority, shall be made by him until or unless such
approval or sanction has first been duly given;
(c) no
contract which will involve an expenditure exceeding ten lakhs rupees shall be
made by the General manager unless the same is previously approved by the
Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply and Transport Committee:
Provided
that, where the previous approval of Committee is sought for any such contract
by the General manager, the 16 Committee shall consider and dispose of such
proposal within thirty days from the date of on which the item is first
included in the agenda of any meeting of the Committee, failing which, the
previous approval shall be deemed to have been given by the Committee for such
contract on the last day of the period of thirty days aforesaid. A report to
that effect shall be made by the General Manager to the Committee;
(d) every
contract made by the General Manager involving an expenditure exceeding one
lakh rupees shall be reported by him within fifteen days after the same has
been made to the Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply and Transport Committee;
(e) the
foregoing provisions of this section shall, as far as may be, apply to every
contract which the General Manager shall have occasion to make in the execution
of this Act; and the same provisions of this section which apply to an original
contract shall be deemed to apply also to any variation or discharge of such
contract."
460L Mode
of executing contracts.
(1) Every
contract entered into by the General Manager on behalf of the corporation for
the purposes of the Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking
shall be entered into in such manner and form as would bind the General Manager
if such contract were on his own behalf, and may in the like manner and form be
varied or discharged:
Provided
that every contract for the execution of any work or the supply of any
materials or goods which will involve an expenditure exceeding ten lakh rupees
or for the disposal of property of the corporation exceeding twenty-five
thousand rupees in value shall be in writing and shall be signed by the General
Manager and countersigned by two members of the Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply
and Transport Committee.
(2) No
contract which is not executed in accordance with the provisions of sub-section
(1) shall be binding upon the corporation.
17 460M
Mode of executing contracts.
(1)
Except as is hereinafter otherwise provided, the General Manager shall, at least
seven days before entering into any contract for the execution of any work or
the supply of any materials or goods which will involve an expenditure
exceeding fifty thousand rupees, given notice by advertisement in the local
newspapers inviting tenders for such contract.
(2) The
General Manager shall not be bound to accept any tender which may be made in
pursuance of such notice, but may accept, subject to the provisions of clause
(c) of section 460K, any of the tenders so made which appears to him, upon a
view of all the circumstances, to be the most advantageous:
Provided
that the Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply and Trnasport Committee may authorize
the General Manager for reasons which shall be recorded in their proceedings to
enter into a contract without inviting tenders as herein provided or without
accepting any tender which he may receive after having invited them."
A reading
of the above provisions makes it clear that the General Manager is the ultimate
authority in all respects including maintenance, operation, administration and
development of the BEST. Sub-section (1) of Section 460M makes it clear that
for execution of any work or the supply of any materials or goods which will
involve an expenditure exceeding fifty thousand rupees, the General Manager is
mandated to give notice by advertisement in the local newspapers inviting
tenders for such contract. However, proviso to sub-section(2) enables the BEST
Committee to 18 authorize the General Manager to enter into a contract without
inviting tenders as provided in sub-section(1) or without accepting any tender
which he may receive after having invited them. The only condition is that the
BEST Committee has to specifically authorize the General Manager and reasons
for deviating for inviting tender are to be recorded in writing before such
authorization.
16.
Mr. Mukul Rohtagi and Mr. P.H. Parikh, learned senior appearing
for the Laqshya Media P. Ltd. and Alok Jalan, by drawing our attention to the
`heading' of Section 460M submitted that it is but proper to give importance to
the same.
The
heading of the Section reads as under:
"Tenders
to be invited for contracts involving expenditure exceeding rupees fifty
thousand".
In
support of the above contention, they relied on the following decisions of this
Court:
1.
Industrial Finance Corporation of India Ltd. vs. Cannanore Spinning &
Weaving Mills Ltd. & Ors.
(2002) 5
SCC 54 2. Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. vs. Hansrajbhai V. Kodala & Ors.
(2001) 5 SCC 175 19 3. K.P. Varghese vs. Income Tax Officer, Ernakulam &
Anr. (1981) 4 SCC 173
4. Madhav
Rao Jivaji Rao Scindia vs. Union of India (1971) 1 SCC 85
5.
British Airways PLC vs. Union of India & Ors. (2002) 2 SCC 95
6.
Chairman, Indore Vikas Pradhikaran vs. Pure Industrial Coke & Chemicals
Ltd. & Ors. (2007) 8 SCC 705.
The ratio
in all these cases leads to a conclusion that heading in a particular section
lends, though not normally a part of the statutory provision, assistance in
interpreting the statutory intent since the `heading' always serves as a guide
to depict the intention. It also makes it clear that the marginal note to a
section cannot be referred to for the purpose of construing the section but it
can certainly be relied upon as indicating the drift of the section. It also
shows that the heading/marginal notes, prima facie, furnish some clue as to the
meaning and purpose of the section. In the light of the above principles, we
hold that the `heading' of 460M has some bearing while construing the
sub-sections (1) & (2) therein.
17.
Coming to the language of sub-section (1) of Section 460M that
"tenders to be invited for contracts involving 20 expenditure exceeding
rupees fifty thousand", learned senior counsel heavily relied on the
following decisions of this Court:
1) Mahesh
Chandra vs. Ragional Manager, U.P. Financial Corporation & Ors. (1993) 2
SCC 279 Oil Mills & Anr. (2002) 3 SCC 496 3) Ram and Shyam Company vs.
State of Haryana & Ors. (1985) 3 SCC 267 4) Nagar Nigam, Meerut vs. Al
Faheem Meat Exports (P) Ltd. (2006) 13 SCC 382 Road Development Corporation
Ltd. & Ors. (2007) 8 SCC 1 6) M.I. Builders Pvt. Ltd. vs. Radhey Shyam Sahu
& Ors. (1999) 6 SCC 464 Delhi Municipal Council (2007) 8 SCC 75 8) Sterling
Computers Ltd. vs. M/s M & N Publications Ltd. (1993) 1 SCC 445 In all
these cases, this Court has emphasized that the public property owned by the
State or by any instrumentality of the State should be generally sold by public
auction or by inviting tenders. This Court has been insisting upon that rule,
not only to get the highest price for the property but also to ensure fairness
in the activities of the State and public authorities. It 21 also emphasizes
that the authority should justify the action assailed on the touchstone of
justness, fairness, reasonableness and as a reasonable prudent owner.
18.
In the light of the abovementioned legal principles enunciated by
this Court, let us test the decision of the BEST in awarding work
orders/contract in favour of Respondent Nos. 4 & 5. Sub-section (1) of
Section 460M makes it clear that the General Manager is one who authorized to
manage and perform all acts necessary for efficient maintenance, operation,
development and administration of the BEST. It also emphasizes that in all
action or execution of any work including supply of materials or goods which
exceeds fifty thousand rupees, the General Manager is bound to give notice by
advertisement in the local newspaper inviting tenders for such work
orders/contracts. However, Mr. Vahanvati, learned Attorney General, appearing
for the BEST, Mr. Harish N. Salve and Mr. K.K. Venugopal, learned senior
counsel appearing for the successful contractors, submitted that while there is
no doubt about the proposition mentioned above, however, 22 pointed out that
proviso to sub-section (2) of Section 460M authorizes the General Manager to
enter into a contract without inviting tenders as provided in sub-section(1)
and the only condition is that the BEST Committee has to authorize him by
recording adequate reasons. It is not in dispute that the `First Finder Scheme'
was introduced in December, 2006 whereby interested parties were invited to
choose and select Bus Queue Poles in the city of Mumbai as per their liking for
the purpose of converting them into modernized Bus Queue Shelters and display
of advertisements thereon. It was pointed out that approximately only 1/3rd of
the poles could be allotted for conversion into shelters. Even one of the
contesting parties, namely, Laqshya Media P. Ltd. applied for 200 bus poles and
was finally allotted only 22. According to the BEST, as the response was found
to be poor under the Scheme and taking note of the fact that Respondent Nos. 4
& 5 have contracts valid till December 2008 extendible till December, 2009,
in order to make a uniform renovation of all Bus Queue Shelters and to
implement the Mumbai Transformation Project, they were asked to give their
proposals. From this it 23 is clear that the BEST administration wanted to
implement the Mumbai Transformation Project at the earliest and the initial
work under the `First Finder Scheme' was not fully successful as estimated.
Annexure P-5 which is available in Vol.II placed by the appellant - BEST shows
that it obtained approval from the BEST vide BCR 474 dated 07.12.2006. Annexure
P-6 is the approval given by the BEST Committee vide BCR 507 dated 27.12.2006.
Since it was heavily contended that the BEST Committee approved the proposal to
engage Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 instead of public tender in order to implement
the Mumbai Transformation Project as early as possible, let us verify the
materials placed by the appellants.
"THE
BRIHAN MUMBAI ELECTRIC SUPPLY & TRANSPORT UNDERTAKING (BRIHAN MUMBAI
MAHANAGARPALIKA) CIVIL ENGINEERING BRANCH Item No. 356 27 December, 2006 NOTE
TO THE BEST COMMITTEE DATED 26.12.2006 Ref : GM/AGM(c)/373/2006 Sub: Erection
of Bus Queue Shelters in place of existing Bus Stop Poles and display of
advertisement thereon under First Finder Scheme 24
1. The
BEST Committee vide BCR 474 dated 07.12.2006 has approved the introduction of
First Finder Scheme in the Undertaking for converting the bus stop poles into
Bus Queue Shelters.
2.
Accordingly, the Scheme was notified in local newspaper on 11.12.2006. In
response, various advertising agencies have submitted their offers in the
prescribed forms issued by the Undertaking. As on 18.12.2006, offers have been
received from 20 agencies. The First Finder for bus stop poles applied by the
Agencies have been finalized, according to the serial number on the receipt of
process fee of Rs.750/- per bus stop pole paid by these agencies.
3.
Accordingly, the list of agencies have been prepared along with the No. of
location applied by these agencies for erection bus queue shelters in place of
existing bus stop poles, which are as under:
S.No.
Name of Agency No. of Bus No. of Bus Receipt No. stop poles stop poles applied
for proposed to (Processing be allotted fee)
1. M/s
Pioneer 129 Nos. 129 Nos. 0040827 Publicity Corporation 11.12.06
2. M/s
Symbiosis 40 Nos. 3 Nos. 0040831 Advertising 11.12.06
3. M/s
Shreeji 150 Nos. 81 Nos. 0040834 Enterprises 11.12.06
4. M/s
Clear channel 90 Nos. 31 Nos. 0040835 Communication (I) Pt. Ltd. 11.12.06
5. M/s
Manta Media 40 Nos. 2 Nos. 0040836 11.12.06
6. M/s Shivraj
55 Nos. 12 Nos. 0040838 Advertising 25 11.12.06
7. M/s
S.V. Advertising 125 Nos. 58 Nos. 0040839 11.12.06
8. M/s
Prabha 200 Nos. 73 Nos. 0040841 Advertising 11.12.06
9. M/s
One ad Display 82 Nos. 10 Nos. 0040847 Pvt. Ltd.
11.12.06
10. M/s Prachar
450 Nos. 202 Nos. 0040851 Communication Ltd.
11.12.06
11. M/s
Medial Tacks 18 Nos. Nil 0040856 11.12.06
12. M/s
Attitude 25 Nos. 5 Nos. 0040857 11.12.06
13. M/s
J.C. Decauz 400 Nos. 116 Nos. 0040873 Advertising India Pvt. Ltd. 11.12.06
14. M/s
Positive Advt. 30 Nos. Nil 0040878 Pvt. Ltd.
11.12.06
15. M/s
Enkon Pvt. Ltd. 20 Nos. 2 Nos. 0040879 11.12.06
16. M/s
Times Media 14 Nos. 1 Nos. 0040891 Publication 11.12.06
17. M/s
Sporting & 26 Nos. 1 Nos. 0040910 Outdoor Solution 12.12.06
18. M/s OM
Jal 30 Nos. 6 Nos. 0040912 26 12.12.06
19. M/s
Laqshya Media 200 Nos. 22 Nos. 0040915 Pvt. Ltd.
12.12.06
20. M/s
Ashok Sharma 12 Nos. 11 Nos. 0041013 & Associates Pvt. Ltd. 14.12.06 Total
2136 Nos. 765 Nos. 4. It is pertinent to point out here that as per Clause 47
of the Terms & Conditions of Contract, the Agency has to pay an amount of
Rs. 750/- for each location of bus stop poles as processing fees, which is
non-refundable. However, it is felt unjust to forfeit the said amount of
processing fees of Agencies for the sites which are not awarded to them. Hence,
it is proposed to refund the said amount of processing fees to the Agencies for
the sites which are not awarded to them.
5.
Further, while approving the proposal for introduction of the scheme, the BEST
Committee resolved that excluding the Property Tax, the Licence Fees, etc.
shall be borne by the Agency. Hence the word `Property Tax' shall stand deleted
from the Clause (e) & 18(i) of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
6. The
approval of the BEST Committee is, therefore, requested.
i) To
award the contract under First Finder Scheme under all Terms & Conditions'
of approved scheme to 18 Agencies for 765 bus stop poles as detailed in
Annexure `A' to `R' & Annexure `S' under First Finder Scheme and to enter
into the contract with them under Section 460 `K(C)' of MMC Act-1888 as amended
upto date.
ii) To
refund an amount of Rs. 750/- per bus stop pole to all the agencies for the
sites which are not awarded to them.
While
speaking on the subject, Shri Ravi Raja stated that, the Administration had in
the past, with the approval of the B.E.S. & T. Committee, awarded the
contract for display of advertisements 27 on the bus queue shelters of the
Undertaking by dividing the same between the firms M/s. Prithvi Associates
& M/s. Bennet & Colemn within the limits of the Brihan Mumbai Mahanagar
Palika.
He
further stated that, instead of constructing the bus queue shelters by the BEST
Undertaking, if the said Agencies construct the bus queue shelters within the
limits of the Brihan Mumbai Mahanagar Palika, they may be permitted to display
the advertisements on the said bus queue shelters. Also, they may be included
in the said scheme.
The
General Manager stated that, if the said Agencies are complying with the terms
and conditions of the Scheme by constructing new bus queue shelters in place of
the existing bus queue shelters, they will also be included in the said Scheme.
The
Chairman stated that, if the concern Agencies approach the Undertaking for
construction of new bus queue shelters in place of the existing bus queue
shelters and if the said Agencies are fulfilling the terms and conditions of
the Scheme, they may be included in the said Scheme.
Thereafter,
as there was no further discussion in the matter, the Chairman put the proposal
submitted by the Administration to vote and since it was not opposed by anyone,
he declared that it was carried unanimously.
Thereafter
507 No.507- Resolved: "That, the approval be and is hereby given to the
proposal containing Para no. 6 of the Note of the Committee."
19.
The contract in favour of Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 for
modernization and advertising on new BQS was approved by the BEST Committee
vide item No. 112 dated 12.06.2007 as under:- "Ref: Note to the BEST
Committee dated 08.06.2007 No. GM/AGM(C)/114/2007.
28 148.
No.148 - RESOLVED: "That approval be and is hereby given, as required
under Section 460 K(e) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888 as amended
upto date of extend the contracts as proposed in para no.6 to 9, except
sub-para (B) of para no.9 of the note to the Committee.
2.
"That, approval be and is hereby also given for extension period of the
contract and display charges as per this Scheme shall start from the 1st
October, 2007, instead of from the 1st day of following month in which the said
proposal is approved by the BEST Committee, as proposed in sub-para (B) of para
9 of the Note to the Committee.
B.C.R.No.148
Sd/- Dated 12.06.2007. SECRETARY AGM(C)"
20.
By pointing out the approval given by the BEST, the appellants
submitted that no expenditure is to be incurred by the BEST. On the other hand,
the Corporation is to earn both from the display charges and the construction
of bus Queue Shelters, which belong to the Corporation itself and at the end of
the 15 year term, revert back to the Corporation. It is the Respondent Nos. 4
and 5 who are to spend money on modernization as per the approved plan of BEST
and maintenance of BQS and in return the BEST is to receive revenue on display
charges payable by Respondent Nos. 4 and
5. In
these factual aspects, it was pointed out that there has 29 been no violation
of any statutory provision in awarding the contract in favour of respondent
Nos. 4 and 5.
21.
It is not in dispute that the initial tender contract awarded to
respondent Nos. 4 and 5 was up to 31.12.2008 and extendable for a period of one
year. However, it was only for display of advertisement in the Bus Queue
Shelters and not the construction of any Bus Queue Shelters. The Mumbai
Beautification Project was envisaged on 02.09.2006 under which one of the
resolutions was to beautify all the bus shelters in the city of Mumbai. As part
of the said project, BEST came up with the Scheme in December, 2006. The main
grievance of the BEST was that there was no proper response in respect of
non-saleable bus shelters, hence BEST administration on 27.12.2006, decided
that in order to implement the Mumbai Transformation Project and ensure
uniformity in the modernization process of BQS and bus queue poles in the city
of Mumbai, it was agreed that the Scheme should be extended to Prithvi
Associates and BCCL.
The said
Meeting was attended by the Chairman as well as the 30 General Manager of the
BEST. It was pointed out that item No. 356 dated 27.12.2006 (which we have
extracted above) clearly records suggestion made by both the General Manager
and the Chairman of the BEST to initiate dialogue and negotiations with Prithvi
and BCCL for the purpose of modernization of the BQS who were using the same
for displaying advertisement under the 2005 contract, there is no procedural
illegality and violation of any statutory provisions.
22.
The appellants heavily relied on the note placed before the BEST
Committee and approval for entrusting the work relating to BQS in favour of
Respondent Nos. 4 and 5. It was pointed out that during the discussion in the
meeting dated 27.12.2006 one Shri Raviraja, one of the Committee members, had
mentioned the firms of Prithvi Associates and BCCL who were awarded contract
for display of advertisements in the BQS. He suggested that instead of
constructing the BQS by the BEST undertaking, if the said agencies (Prithvi
Associates and BCCL) construct BQS within the limits of Brihan Mumbai Mahanagar
Palika, they may be permitted to display the 31 advertisements on the said BQS.
By pointing out the same, he requested that they may also be included in the
Scheme. The note - Item no. 356 further shows that the General Manger has
expressed that if the said agencies are complying with the terms and conditions
of the Scheme by constructing new BQS in the place of existing BQS, they will
also be included in the said Scheme. The Chairman also expressed the same view.
Thereafter,
the Chairman put the proposal submitted by the administration to vote, since it
was not opposed by anyone, he announced that it was carried unanimously. It may
be relevant to mention that the Empowered Committee consisted of the Chief
Secretary and other top administrative officers of various Departments
including the General Manager of the BEST.
23.
In the light of the language used in sub-section (1), we are of
the view that calling for tenders is a rule and finalizing any contract without
inviting tenders as provided in sub- section (1) is an exception. We have
already adverted to various decisions of this Court as to how properties
belonging 32 to Central/State/its instrumentalities are to be dealt with.
Learned
senior counsel appearing for the appellants as well as Respondent Nos. 4 and 5
pointed out that all the decisions relied on by Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 related
to the sale of public properties, hence those principles are not applicable to
the case on hand. They also highlighted that as per the contract, Respondent
Nos. 4 and 5 have to build bus shelters as designed by the BEST, advertise,
earn income and also pay the agreed amount to the BEST and after 15 years all
the bus shelters have to be handed over to the BEST administration.
In other
words, according to them, there is no element of sale or disposal of public
property as claimed by the contesting respondents. It is true that by entering
into a contract with Respondent Nos. 4 and 5, the BEST administration has not
lost its title over the property, but on the other hand assured of getting
regular income without any financial implications apart from providing better
facilities for the public.
24.
We have already extracted the entire note placed before the
Committee for discussion which did disclose reasons for 33 not adhering to
public tender and entering into a contract with Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 alone.
The `Note" also discloses that thorough discussion was held among the
members of the Committee, General Manager and Chairman. There is no sale or
element of sale in the impugned transaction. However, to ensure fairness in the
activities of the State and public authorities, their dealing should be above
board. Nothing should be done by the public authorities which gives an
impression of bias, favoritism and ordinarily these factors would be absent if
the matter is brought to public auction by inviting tenders. We have no doubt
that in exceptional cases having regard to the nature of the trade or largesse
or for some other good reason, a contract may have to be granted by private
negotiation, but clearly that should not be done without adequate reasons as it
shakes the public confidence.
In the
case on hand, in view of proviso to sub-section (2) of Section 460M, BEST Committee
after due deliberation authorized the General Manager to enter into contract
without inviting tenders, since it is beneficial to the BEST and general
public.
25.
The materials placed show that (a) the contractors, namely,
Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 were having existing agreement with the BEST
administration for the display of advertisements in the bus shelters/poles till
31.12.2008 and extendable by one more year (b) In the First Finder Scheme in
spite of wide publicity, response was very poor and only 483 saleable bus
shelters/poles allotted (c) Mumbai Transformation Project requires urgent
attention and timely completion of the work (d) Due to enormous financial
implication, BEST was not in a position to undertake demolition and
construction of new bus shelters (e) By this method, the BEST without spending
their money through the existing contracts (Respondent Nos. 4 and 5) could
complete the modernization work and also earn sizeable income by way of
advertisement (f) Ownership always lies with the BEST, after expiry of the
contractual period these bus shelters revert back to the BEST.
26.
In the light of the above discussion, we arrive at the following
conclusion:- 35 (a) Generally disposal of public properties owned by the State
or its instrumentalities should be by public auction by inviting tenders. In
the case on hand, the bus shelters belong to the BEST and Respondent Nos. 4
& 5 were permitted to build bus shelters as per the norms, display
advertisements and pay charges to the BEST in terms of contract.
(b)
Proviso to sub-section (2) of Section 460M enables General Manager to deviate
the process of inviting tenders subject to reasons duly recorded by the BEST
Committee.
(c)
Empowered Committee of BEST consisting of the Chief Secretary and other senior
officers of various departments after deliberation and taking various relevant
aspects authorized the General Manager to finalise the work with Respondent
Nos. 4 & 5 since they are having existing contract in advertisement in bus
shelters/poles. Further, the `First Finder Scheme' was not successful.
(d) By
Mumbai Transformation Project, the BEST is to complete the work relating to bus
shelters without any financial commitment and also get its share of revenue.
(e) By
this contract with Respondent Nos. 4 & 5, the BEST administration is
assured of not only regular revenue but also better facilities to the general
public as well.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
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17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
It is brought to our notice that even during the hearing before
the High Court it was submitted that pursuant to the contract, Respondent No. 4
has constructed about 1/3rd of the total Bus Queue Shelters allotted to it and
Respondent Nos. 5 has constructed about 40% of the Bus Queue Shelters allotted
to it. This was the position prior to November, 2008. On 19.11.2008, the High
Court while passing orders at the request of Respondent Nos. 4 and 5, suspended
its order for a period of eight weeks and this Court while ordering notice on
13.01.2009, extended the order of stay. Though on equity, they cannot have
better claim, but the fact remains that Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 were continuing
the contract work throughout during the pendency of the proceeding before the
High Court and in this Court. Taking note of all these aspects and peculiar
position as mentioned above and in order to render substantial and complete
justice to the parties, we feel 37 that at this juncture, continuation of the
contract by BEST with the Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 is the only acceptable
solution.
28.
With the above conclusion, we modify the impugned order of the
High Court and direct the Respondent Nos. 4 and 5 to adhere to the terms of
contract strictly. We make it clear that if there is any 38 breach or
violation, BEST is at liberty to act in accordance with law. All the three
appeals are disposed of on the above terms. No costs.
....................................CJI. (K.G. BALAKRISHNAN)
..........................................J. (P. SATHASIVAM)
..........................................J. (J.M. PANCHAL)
NEW DELHI;
DECEMBER 1, 2009.
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