In Brief

M/s B.K. Enterprises appealed against a High Court order regarding transportation contracts for the Wheat Based Nutrition Programme in Manipur. Since 2017–18, the State had continued the contract through interim arrangements without floating fresh tenders, causing losses to the public exchequer. The Supreme Court held that contracts cannot continue indefinitely on an interim basis and directed the State to issue fresh tenders within 10 days through transparent e-tender on a nationwide basis, complete the tender process within six weeks, and prevent cartels to ensure maximum pricing. The Court deprecated the State's lethargic conduct and warned of serious consequences for non-compliance."

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