Bombay High Court Upholds SC/ST Reservation in Petroleum Transport Contracts

The Bombay High Court has upheld the constitutional validity of a 1994 policy mandating reservation and concessions for SC/ST entrepreneurs in petroleum transport contracts awarded by public sector oil companies.

Dismissing a writ petition by existing contractors, the Court held that such affirmative measures aim to uplift marginalised entrepreneurs and do not violate Article 14. 

The Bench observed that economic concessions like reduced deposits for SC/ST bidders are constitutionally backed under Article 46. It also found the challenge barred by delay and acquiescence, as petitioners had earlier accepted similar tender conditions without objection. (Patil Roadlines v BPCL)