Anupinder Singh Grewal, J.

This appeal is directed against the order of the Single Bench dated 17.01.2017 whereby the writ petition challenging the rejection of the appellant's bid, has been dismissed.

2. The respondent No. 2 had invited tenders for supply of photocopier papers FS, A4 and A3. The last date for submission of the bid was 27.10.2016. The appellant is stated to have submitted his bid online within time but the physical documents were submitted by him on 28.10.2016. The financial bid was opened on 19.12.2016 whereby the appellant's bid was rejected due to its late physical submission.

3. Learned counsel for the appellant has contended that the appellant had submitted the bid within time i.e. before 11:30 a.m. on 27.10.2016. He has further contended that the technical bid was opened on 11:00 a.m. on 28.10.2016 in the presence of the representative of the appellant and therefore, its rejection at the time of opening of the financial bid on 19.12.2016 on account of late submission is arbitrary and deserves to be set aside.

4. Per contra, learned counsel for the r