Supreme Court questions L&T's disqualification from ₹6,000 crore infra project in Mumbai

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the rationale behind the disqualification of construction giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) from bidding for a ₹6,000-crore infrastructure project in Mumbai [Larsen and Toubro Limited v. Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority]. .A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih expressed concerns over L&T's exclusion, observing that the company was instrumental in the rescue of workers in Uttarakhand and has built projects like the Central Vista. It said that L&T has a proven track record of developing national projects. “Just remember what happened to the Uttarakhand tunnel, where 40 workers were trapped and then rescued. L&T is disqualified and the person who is selected… You know,” the CJI remarked. .The Court was hearing L&T’s plea against alleged irregularities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) tender process.L&T has flagged procedural lapses and alleged unfair treatment in the bidding for the Thane-Ghodbunder to Bhayandar infrastructure project, a key part of Mumbai’s urban transport expansion..Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for L&T highlighted that the company selected for the project lacks credentials and stressed that the process has been opaque. Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the MMRDA and defended the process. He said L&T's disqualification was not “on fanciful grounds” and that certain disclosures were restricted under the tender terms.However, the Bench was unconvinced."₹31,000 crore is not a small amount. It is public money you see...The one who built the Central Vista, was disqualified” the CJI noted.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, also representing MMRDA, requested that the matter be heard tomorrow, citing discussions with the executive.When Singhvi reminded the bench of what transpired at the last hearing, CJI Gavai said,“Our memory may not be as good as yours but it’s not that bad either.”Ultimately, the Bench listed the case for further hearing on Friday (May 30). .Notably, L&T was actively involved in the rescue operation of the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, in November 2023. It contributed both manpower and specialised equipment to the multi-agency effort. Their teams, including staff from Belagavi, brought advanced tools such as endoscopic and robotic cameras to assist in locating and communicating with the trapped workers. .[Read Order].[Read exchange]