Judgment

1. This order is in continuation of the orders dated 30th August, 2011 and 13th October, 2011. The directions contained in these orders shall be mutatis mutandis applicable with the directions contained in the present order.

2. Despite the above orders of this Court, majority of the States have not fully implemented the scheme regulating issuance and fixation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). From the affidavits filed on behalf of the respective States, it is clear that they have not been vigilant enough to take appropriate steps for initiation and completion of the HSRP scheme and, in any case, not with required expeditiousness. On 25th November, 2011, we heard the learned counsel appearing for different States and perused the affidavits placed on record. However, some of the States have not even been courteous enough to file affidavits of compliance and have orally prayed for extension of time. In these circumstances, it has become necessary for us to deal individually with the case of each State.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Union Territory)

3. As per the affidavit, Andaman & Nicobar administration has already finalized and signed the agreement for awarding the contract to the successful bidder on 21st October, 2011 and the work was to be commenced within 30 days of signing of this contract which has not commenced as yet. They prayed for further extension of time to complete the implementation of the scheme. As prayed, we grant period upto 31st March, 2012 for the Union Territory to complete the implementation of the scheme without fail.

Andhra Pradesh

4. It is the case of the State of Andhra Pradesh that it published the notice inviting the tenders on 8th October, 2011 and the due date of the tender bids was 26th November, 2011. The State claims that it has prepared a comprehensive framework to implement the HSRP scheme and authorized Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation to roll out the end to end solution for the project. It has decided to have a competitive bidding process by segregating the tender into different sections i.e. one for manufacturing, another for embossing, hot stamping and printing of HSRP and yet another to supply the same to the Corporation for installation. Again, the process adopted by the State of Andhra Pradesh is not only in violation of the directions contained in paragraphs 39 and 40 of the judgment of this Court in the case of Association of Registration Plates v. Union of India [(2005) 1 SCC 679], but is also contrary to the Notification dated 16th September, 2011 which was issued under Sub-section (3) of Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and called the Motor Vehicles (New High Security Registration Plates) Order, 2001. This Order does not permit the completion of the HSRP scheme in the manner sought to be adopted by the State of Andhra Pradesh. The State was to award the contract but the same has not so far been awarded. In the circumstances afore-noticed, we direct the State of Andhra Pradesh to issue fresh tender, award the contract and commence the implementation of the scheme positively by 29th February, 2012. It has assured this Court that now it would positively abide by the time schedule and do the needful.

Arunachal Pradesh

5. Arunachal Pradesh had invited tenders but all the tenderers were disqualified resulting in the State being compelled to invite fresh tenders. Re-tender process had already been started and the process was to be completed by 18th November, 2011. However, it prayed for three weeks extension to award the contract and sign the agreement with the successful bidder. It is further stated on behalf of the State that the scheme shall be fully implemented in the entire State by 31st March, 2012. By way of a final opportunity, the time, as prayed for, is granted.

Assam

6. State of Assam has also started the process but is yet to complete the formalities and sign the deed of agreement. An inspection of the factories is to be conducted by