Supreme Court: Chhattisgarh Tender Restricting Bidders to One State Violates Article 19(1)(g)

The Supreme Court invalidated a Chhattisgarh Government tender condition requiring bidders to demonstrate past supply experience of at least ₹6 crore to state agencies within the past three years to supply sports kits to government schools.

The Court held that the requirement was irrational and violative of Articles 14 and Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution.

The court further emphasised that restricting eligibility to entities operating within a single state breaches the doctrine of a level playing field.

The State’s justification, citing supply to Maoist-affected areas, was rejected as insufficient.

[Vinishma Technologies Pvt. Ltd. v State of Chhattisgarh & Anr.]