HC nod for monorail bids

The Madras High Court today permitted the Tamil Nadu government to go ahead and finalise bids for the proposed elevated monorail system in the city. The court, however, restrained the authorities from issuing a final contract/work order.

"R2 (metropolitan transport corporation limited) is permitted to go ahead with the process of finalisation of bids, but the final contract/work order shall not be awarded without prior permission from the court," a Division Bench said.

They were hearing a petition filed by PMK legislature party leader in the Assembly GK Mani, seeking to quash a December 29 government order pertaining to setting up of a privately established and operated 'elevated monorail mass rapid transit system (EMMRTS)' for the metropolis.

The petitioner contended that the the notice inviting global tenders for setting up the system was unconstitutional, illegal and arbitrary and sought an interim injunction to restrain the authorities from implementing the decision till the disposal of the petition.

The judges posted the petition for final hearing on March 8.