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ARTICLE · 28 JANUARY 2026

Competition, Not Cartel: Allied Construction & Pooja Associates Survive Writ

IndiaLaw LLP
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In a climate where every unsuccessful bidder is quick to cry "cartel", the Gauhati High Court has reaffirmed the narrow corridor for judicial interference in public tender collusion.

IndiaAntitrust/Competition Law
Rahul Sundaram
Rahul Sundaram

Introduction

In a climate where every unsuccessful bidder is quick to cry "cartel", the Gauhati High Court has reaffirmed the narrow corridor for judicial interference in public tender collusion. Delivered by Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi on 14 January 2026, W.P.(C) No. 6333 of 2025 (M/s Versha Technotrade Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Assam & Ors.) is a textbook application of the Supreme Court's consistent message: courts police the process, not the wisdom, of procurement decisions.

Factual Matrix

The Public Works Department (Buildings), Assam invited bids on 29 July 2025 for an EPC-mode Circuit House at Udalguri. Clause 6(1) of the "Information & Guidelines for Bidders" made a joint site-inspection mandatory. M/s Versha Technotrade Pvt. Ltd., represented by its director Sri Aakash Surana, carried out the visit on 8 August 2025 and submitted its financial bid on 21 August 2025. On the last day of submission, respondents No. 3 and 4M/s Allied Construction and M/s Pooja

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