All public works worth Rs.5 lakh and above and implemented under the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) shall be awarded only through e-tendering, ordered the High Court of Kerala.
Justice A.V. Ramakrishna Pillai issued the order on Monday after disposing of a batch of petitions which challenged a State government order implementing e-tender system in the LSGD for all works valued at Rs.5 lakh and above.
The Kerala Government Contractors Federation argued that the introduction of e-tendering was contrary to the rules prevailing in self-government institutions.
However, the court pointed out that the LSGD Secretary issued the order making e-tendering mandatory after the High Court approved the proposal. The court also directed the contractors to follow the order issued by the Secretary on April 30, 2015, regarding the execution of public works.
The court also rejected a petition of the Kochi Corporation to implead itself in the case.
