BBMP stands by its decision to choose Maverick

BBMP stands by its decision to choose Maverick


Express News Service
First Published : 13 Dec 2008 09:09:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 13 Dec 2008 11:41:09 AM IST

BANGALORE: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Friday gave an undertaking in the High Court that it would not take any decision on the award of tender with respect to the construction of the EWS Quarters at Ejipura in Bangalore pending further hearing of a petition on the case.

Mumbai-based Akruthi Nirman Pvt Limited has challenged the government’s decision to award the contract to Maverick Holdings Pvt Ltd on September 26, 2008. The High Court had on November 6 stayed the government’s decision for four weeks. On Friday, the Akruthi Nirman group petitioned the court to further extend the stay.

During the argument, BBMP counsel assured the court that it would not precipitate the matter, till the next date of hearing of the petition. Justice N K Patil adjourned the hearing to second week of January.It may be recalled that the then BMP administration had in 2006 decided to award the contract on construction of 1,640 housing units for the economically weaker sections to Maverick Holdings Pvt Ltd.

While Akruthi claims of quoting the higher bid in the tender, BBMP awarded the contract to Maverick, which made Akruthi obtain a stay order. During the President’s rule, advisors to the governor had sent back the proposal to the BBMP for fresh consideration.

The BBMP stuck to its earlier decision of awarding tender to Maverick Holdings and the government approved the same.

In the petition Akruthi Nirman has stated that, awarding the contract to Maverick Holdings Pvt Ltd was a violation and arbitrary under the provisions of Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act.