M/S PATEL ENGINNERING LTD. vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to debar M/s. Patel Engineering Limited from participating in future projects for one year, citing the company's failure to confirm acceptance of its bid within the stipulated time as per Clause 3.3.5 of the Request for Proposal. The Court emphasized that the NHAI acted within its rights to take such action due to the significant financial implications involved. The judgment affirmed the High Court's dismissal of the writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, reinforcing the authority of the NHAI in managing public-private partnerships.