Tender Law

Your Legal Partner in Government Tender and Procurement Disputes.

Tender Law in India

Public procurement law in India, GFR 2017, E-procurement, Government E-Marketplace (GeM), CVC guidelines, Bid rigging

Tender law in India governs how government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and statutory bodies procure goods, works, and services. While there is no single central “Tender Act,” the framework is built around constitutional principles of fairness and transparency (Article 14), the General Financial Rules, 2017 (GFR), procurement manuals, and various executive and judicial guidelines. The objective is to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently, competitively, and without corruption or arbitrariness.

Public Procurement in India

Public procurement in India is primarily governed by the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017, and the Manuals on Procurement for goods, works, and consultancy. These prescribe tendering procedures, evaluation norms, performance securities, and dispute mechanisms. Electronic systems like Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) promote transparency and accessibility.

Area of Expertise

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Integrity and Oversight Mechanisms

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) issues binding guidelines to prevent corruption, mandate the use of integrity pacts, and ensure independent monitoring for high-value tenders.

Judicial Principles and Precedents

Indian courts uphold that government tenders must follow fairness and non-arbitrariness under Article 14 of the Constitution.

Competition and Bid-Rigging Control

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigates and penalizes entities involved in bid-rigging.

Why Choose Our Tender Law Services?

Tender law in India represents a comprehensive system combining statutory rules, executive oversight, and judicial safeguards. Through instruments like GFR 2017, GeM, CVC guidelines, and constitutional mandates, the legal framework seeks to uphold transparency, accountability, and fairness in public procurement. As digital procurement and public-private partnerships expand, adherence to these principles remains critical to maintaining public trust and fiscal integrity.

Know more about Tender Law in India

Empowering Small Businesses: India’s Legal Framework to Encourage MSMEs in Government Procurement

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Green Procurement: How Sustainability is Reshaping Tender Law in India

Public procurement, defined as government or public-authority purchasing of goods, services and works, accounts for a substantial portion of public […]

Challenging the Award Decision: Grounds for Procurement Litigation under Indian Law

Introduction Public procurement in India represents a critical intersection of administrative discretion, economic efficiency, and legal accountability. Government contracts form a substantial portion of […]

Blacklisting and Debarment of Contractors in Public Procurement

Public procurement plays a vital role in ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently, transparently, and for the maximum benefit […]

The Doctrine of Egregious Misconduct: A Necessary Threshold for Blacklisting in Public Tenders

The power of a governmental authority or a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) to blacklist (or debar) a contractor or supplier […]

Litigation Corner

Mls Sapphire Media Services vs Indian Oil Corporation Limited

In this case, M/s Sapphire Media Services challenged the Allahabad High Court’s order dated 22nd May 2023, which dismissed their writ petition against Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The Supreme Court admitted the Special Leave Petition (SLP) on 21st June 2023, with a stay application pending. The matter is scheduled for further hearing.

Sapphire Media Services vs Delhi Transport Infrastructure Dev.

Sapphire Media Services filed an application under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, seeking interim relief in a dispute related to a media contract with the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation. The Delhi High Court examined the matter and provided a judgment based on the facts and legal arguments presented. The details of the judgment are available in the case records.

Ashok Kumar Aggarwal vs Union of India

Ashok Kumar Aggarwal, a senior government official, challenged his compulsory retirement and the subsequent proceedings related to alleged disproportionate assets. The Supreme Court has been hearing the matter, with the latest proceedings on 22nd September 2021, addressing the legality of his retirement and the charges against him.

Mls Proactive In & Out Advertising vs AAI & Ors.

This arbitration related to an advertising contract dispute with the Airports Authority of India. The District Court, Amritsar, supervised the arbitration proceedings and recorded the interim or final orders.