R.B. PRINTING HOUSE Vs. THE STATE OF MANIPUR AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD Mr. N. Ibotombi, learned senior counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Y. Ashang, learned Government Advocate for the respondent Nos. 1, 2 and 3 as well as Mr. Athouba, learned counsel for the respondent No. 4.

(2.) WHEN this matter was moved on 16.10.2015, this Court passed the following order: - -

(3.) THE writ petition has been vehemently opposed by the State respondents contending that this is not a normal tender. This tender relates to the organisation of Manipur Sangai Festival, 2015 which is due to start on 21st November, 2015 whose main purpose is to showcase the rich heritage of the State and since the respondent No. 4 was found to be far superior in technical aspects and as the authorities did not want to compromise with the quality of presentation and publicity, which is one of the most important parts of this Festival, the Government decided to lower the price bid of the respondent No. 4 and negotiated with the respondent No. 4 so as to bring within the tendered amount. As regards the work experience, it is on record that the respondent No. 4 had participated in the Manipur Sangai Festival in 2011 and accordingly he fulfills the requirement. As regard the requirement of the submission of VAT/Commercial or Service Tax registration number/certificate or Certificate or Service Tax registration, the respondent No. 4 had submitted a Certificate supported by an affidavit stating that the respondent No. 4 is really a branch of "IFD Designing, Construction and Manufacturing" which is duly registered with the concerned authorities and as such, the respondent No. 4 being a part of the aforesaid "IFD Designing, Construction and Manufacturing", can be deemed to have submitted the relevant Registration Certificate as required under the NIT. Further, it has been submitted that because of paucity of time, if the tender process is interfered at this stage, the organisation of the Festival itself will suffer.