In Brief
The Union of India appealed against certain observations made by the Delhi High Court in its order dismissing a writ petition that challenged a tender award to a foreign company. Although the High Court declined to interfere with the tender based on elapsed time, it made general remarks suggesting that Indian bidders were being discriminated against and permitted the petitioner to approach the Prime Minister. The Supreme Court held that such general observations were unwarranted in a case that was not a public interest litigation and where merits were not decided. The Court ruled that High Courts must restrict themselves to the specific parties and issues before them and cannot make sweeping statements based on a single case. The observations were accordingly expunged.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.