Order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai Vs Nitin Shankar Deshpande & Others dated 01/02/2022.

The matter related to the Mumbai Sewage Disposal Project Stage-II including the upgradation of seven STPs at Worli, Bandra, Dharavi, Versova, Bhandup, Malad and Ghatkopar waste water treatment facilities.

The court noted that the process of issuing, cancelling and reissuing tenders results in an enhancement of the project cost, which is true for the project. Equally, the delay has resulted in a situation where until date, no decision has been taken on the tenders which have been floated and there is absolutely no material to show before the court to indicate that the work would be completed with the seriousness which it deserves.

The court was also informed that due to the delay in setting up the STPs, the cost has increased from Rs 10,000 crores to Rs 18,500 crores. The SC directed the Municipal Commissioner of the MCGM to convene a meeting of all concerned authorities and to review the status of the tenders and specify time frame for the completion of the work.