B.S.N.L. Ltd. & Anr vs Bhupender Minhas & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the disqualification clause in the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) prohibiting tenderers with near relatives employed by BSNL is irrational and impermissible, particularly when the relative holds a Class III or IV position. The Court emphasized that such a stipulation does not serve the intended purpose of preventing undue influence in the tendering process. Consequently, the Court upheld the decisions of the Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and Haryana High Courts, which had struck down similar clauses in previous cases, thereby allowing the writ petitions filed by the respondents.