JUDGMENT

Vipin Sanghi, J. (ORAL)

W.P.(C) 4616/2021 & CM APPLs. 14129/2021, 16537/2021-(STAY)

We have heard the learned counsels for the parties and proceed to dispose of the same at the admission stage.

1. This petition was taken up by the Court for the first time on 13.04.2021. The following order was passed by the Court:

"1. The limited grievance of the petitioner is that its bid has been rejected as "technically non-responsive" on the ground that the cost for RFP (i.e., request for proposal) process was short by Rs.10,000/-.

2. According to the learned counsel for the petitioner, in terms of the notice inviting tender (in short "NIT") dated 15.01.2021, the petitioner, as required, made deposit on 05.03.2021, towards costs of the RFP process amounting to Rs. 80,000/-. It is stated that the respondent/NHAI extended the date of submission of the bid twice. The extensions enabled submission of bids in the first instance by 08.03.2021, and thereafter, by 11.03.2021.

2.1. These extensions were notified by the respondent/NHAI on 23.02.2021 and 04.03.2021.

2.2. It is the contention of the petitioner that, since the stipulated cost of the project was enhanced beyond the original estim