Delhi High Court Clarifies License Extensions Won’t Affect Railway Tenders

In a recent final order passed by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court, an important clarification has been made regarding repeated extensions sought for Railway Catering Stalls.

Representing the Railways, Ms. Anushkaa Arora, Senior Panel Counsel, Government of India/Railways, highlighted the grievance faced by the Railways due to continuous extensions sought by petitioners, which impacts the tendering process and operational planning. Recognizing this concern, the Hon’ble Court, while granting relief to the petitioner, made a crucial observation—

🔹 The extension granted for operating a Railway Catering Stall will not preclude the Railways from inviting fresh tenders after the extended period.

This decision ensures that while justified extensions may be granted, the Railways retain the right to invite fresh tenders, maintaining transparency and efficiency in the process.

🔹 Case: W.P.(C) 3117/2025
🔹 Outcome: The Court disposed of the petition, granting a seven-month extension to the petitioner for running the Special Minor Unit (SMU) at New Delhi Railway Station, maintaining parity with previous similar cases.

This ruling strikes a balance between equitable relief for petitioners and the operational needs of the Railways, setting a precedent for future cases.

ABA Law Office, Law Office of Ms. Anushkaa Arora

Read full Order here

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