K.C.Chandrasekaran v. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,

ORDER The petitioner has filed this writ petition seeking a direction to the third respondent to issue a work order in respect of Lot No.42 – Doddabetta RF 80(b) Bit-III (including boundary trees), measuring 7.4 hectares, pursuant to the proceedings dated 26.02.2026 in Na.Ka.No.1184/2026/Ku.

¶2The third respondent had issued a tender notification inviting bids for the removal of invasive species such as blue gum and wattle. The petitioner participated in the tender process. According to the petitioner, he became the successful bidder after the highest bidder was found to be ineligible, as the highest bidder was not registered with the Nilgiris Forest Division, which was one of the mandatory eligibility conditions in the tender.

¶3Subsequently, the highest bidder obtained registration with the Nilgiris Forest Division. Thereafter, by proceedings dated 22.06.2026, the petitioner's selection was cancelled and the bid of the highest bidder was accepted.

¶4Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side.

¶5A reading of the tender conditions, particularly Condition No.2, makes it clear that only bidders registered with the Nilgiris Forest Division were eligible to participate. Any unregistered bidder was liable to be disqualified and the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) was liable to be forfeited.

¶6It is not in dispute that the highest bidder was not registered with the Nilgiris Forest Division on the date of submission of the bid. Therefore, he was ineligible to participate in the tender. His subsequent registration could not cure Page3 of 4 the defect or make him eligible retrospectively. Consequently, the decision to accept his bid was contrary to the tender conditions.

¶7However, the learned Government Advocate submitted that, although the bid of the highest bidder was accepted, no work order has been issued. It is further submitted that, in view of the ineligibility of the highest bidder, the respondents have decided to issue a fresh tender notification for the work relating to Lot Nos.42 and 47.

¶8Recording the above submission, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the third respondent to issue a fresh tender notification for the works relating to Lot Nos.42 and 47. The Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) paid by the petitioner as well as the highest bidder shall be refunded in accordance with law. There shall be no order as to costs. 29-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order ssk To

¶1The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests, Velachery Main Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600 032.

¶2The Field Surveyor Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Mount Stuart Hill, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris District.

¶3The District Forest Officer Nilgiris Forest Division, Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris District. WPoNo.o24405oofo2026 HEMANToCHANDANGOUDAR,oJ. ssk WPoNo.o24405oofo2026 29-07-2026 Page4oofo4

Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 29-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR K.C.Chandrasekaran ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests, Velachery Main Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600 032. 2. The Field Surveyor Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Mount Stuart Hill, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris District. 3. The District Forest Officer Nilgiris Forest Division, Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris District. ..Respondent(s) Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of mandamus directing the respondents, particularly the 3rd respondent, to issue the consequential work order/confirmation proceedings and permit the petitioner to carry out the work relating to Lot No.42 - "Doddabetta RF 80(b) Bit- III (included boundary trees), area 7.4 hectares", pursuant to the proceedings in Na.Ka.No.1184/2026/Ku dated 26.02.2026, within a time frame to be fixed by this court. For Petitioner(s): Dr.T.Seenivasan For Respondent(s): Mr.M.Sivavarthanan Govt. Counsel Page2 of 4