Fresh tenders for toll collection contract in Aarey Colony

Mumbai, July 12 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed Maharashtra government to complete fresh tender process within six weeks and warned that losses to the state exchequer will be recovered from the Dairy Development Minister Anees Ahamed and concerned secretary, if the depatment failed to complete procedure for fresh tenders for collecting toll at three places at Aarey Colony in Goregaon.

Mr Ahamed's consel informed the division bench, comprising Chief Justice Swantanter Kumar and Justice Ranjana Desai, that the Minister had recalled his earlier order that extended term of present contractor for three more years without inviting tenders.

The order was recalled on July 11 and a fresh one was passed.

He said the contract condition removed by earlier order of the Minister had also been restored.

Referring to the fresh order calling for fresh tenders and allowing present contractor Garib Nawaz Corporation to continue until fresh contracts were awarded, the court directed the state government to complete fresh tender process within six weeks and warned that failing which loss to the exchaquer will be recovered from the minister and concerned secretary, as the court found both of them responsible for the ''mess''.

One of the competitors in the bid process Subhash Acharya had moved the court against earlier order by the Dairy Development Minister, which allegedly favored the present contractor.

UNI