D.D. SHARMA vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of Section 30 of the Arbitration Act, 1940, in the context of a contractual dispute between the Union of India and a contractor regarding the construction of bridges. The Court held that the contractor's conditional offer, which included stipulations for withdrawal and rebates, constituted a valid part of the contract, thereby affirming the High Court's partial allowance of the Union's objection. The judgment clarified the nature of negotiations and the binding effect of the tender conditions, ultimately upholding the contractor's rights under the contract.