Delhi HC strikes down Centre's visa services tender process across four countries
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Delhi High Court has set aside the tender awarded by the central government for outsourcing consular, passport and visa (CPV) services at Indian missions in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Singapore and Canberra. The court found the procurement process lacked transparency, fairness, and equality, violating Article 14 of the Constitution.
Background
The central government had issued a tender for outsourcing CPV services at four Indian missions. Two unsuccessful bidders—E Trav Tech Limited and Verasys Limited—challenged the technical evaluation process, alleging arbitrary disqualification.
Key facts
Delhi HC bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Shail Jain delivered the verdict on July 16, 2026.
The court set aside the tender awarded to private firms for CPV services at Indian missions in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Singapore, and Canberra.
The court directed the Centre to issue a fresh Request for Proposals (RFP) within one month.
The court found that the Centre used undisclosed comparative standards, unexplained deductions, inconsistent marking, and absence of recorded reasons.
The court held that these deficiencies violated transparency, fairness, and equality in public procurement under Article 14 of the Constitution.
The petitions were filed by E Trav Tech Limited and Verasys Limited, represented by senior advocates Sanjay Jain and Sacchin Puri.
The court nullified the award of tender to the private respondents.
Prelims pointers
- Delhi High Court
- Article 14 of the Constitution
- Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services
- Request for Proposals (RFP)
- Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kuwait, Singapore, Canberra (Australia)
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Discuss the importance of transparency and fairness in public procurement under Article 14.
- GS3 Economy: Critically examine the impact of arbitrary tender processes on competition and public interest.
- GS2 Governance: Analyze the role of judiciary in ensuring accountability in government contracting.