Hearing on Reliance fixed for July 18

New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) The Supreme Court today fixed July 18 for hearing of the appeal filed by Reliance Airport Developers Pvt Ltd challenging the Centre's decision to award contracts for the modernisation of Mumbai and Delhi airports to their rivals.

A bench comprising Chief Justuce Y K Sabharwal, Mr Justice C K Thakker and Mr Justice P K Balasubramanyan fixed the date of hearing when the matter was listed before the court as per the directions of the vacation bench.

The Rs 1700-crore contract was awarded to the rivals of Reliance Airport Developers, who challenged the decision of the governemnt in Delhi High Court.

The development of Delhi airport was awarded to a consortium led by the GMR group in collaboration with Fraport, Eraman Malaysia, Airports Authority of India and infrastructure firm IDFC Ltd, whereas the contract to upgrade Mumbai airport was awarded to a consortium led by GVK Industries Ltd and Airports Company of South Africa.

The High Court order dated April 21, 2006 dismissed the petition filed by the Reliance Airport Developers holding that the contract was awarded perfectly in accordance with law.

Reliance had challenged the government decision on the grounds that they were the highest bidders for the Mumbai airport modernisation and was technically best qualified for the Delhi airport work.

UNI AKS-SC MA GC1838