Bhartiya Caterers And Enterprises Vs State Bank of India (Chhattisgarh High Court)
Summary: The Chhattisgarh High Court dismissed the writ petition filed by Bhartiya Caterers And Enterprises challenging the rejection of its quotation in a tender issued by State Bank of India for supply of breakfast, lunch and dinner to trainees of the concerned institution at Raigarh.
Respondent No.1 had issued a tender notice dated 10.01.2026 inviting quotations for catering services. The base price was fixed at Rs.140/- per person per day. The petitioner and respondent No.2 quoted Rs.140.01. According to the petitioner, the tender conditions did not clearly specify whether the base price was inclusive or exclusive of GST. The petitioner stated in its quotation that GST would be borne by respondent No.1. The tender process was closed on 21.05.2026, with the petitioner’s quotation rejected and respondent No.2’s quotation accepted.
The petitioner subsequently submitted a representation dated 02.06.2026, explaining the alleged GST misunderstanding and expressing willingness to supply food at the earlier rate of Rs.109/- per plate. The petitioner also claimed that Rs.11,28,236/- remained outstanding from an earlier catering contract and contended that the fresh tender ought not to have proceeded without payment of those dues.
The principal issue before the Court was whether the rejection of the petitioner’s bid and acceptance of respondent No.2’s quotation warranted interference under Article 226 of the Constitution.
