French firm that accused MMRDA of corruption gets relief from Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday quashed a notice that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority had issued in January, terminating a contract awarded to Systra MVA Consulting (India) Private Limited, The Indian Express reported.

The Indian subsidiary of the French consulting and engineering company was providing general and design consultancy services for three under-construction lines of the Mumbai Metro.

A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Arif S Doctor directed the MMRDA to decide afresh on whether the contract needs to be scrapped and pass a reasoned order after hearing the firm.

The MMRDA is responsible for the development of public infrastructure in Mumbai and the metropolitan region.

In February 2020, the MMRDA invited bids for consultancy related to the design, assistance in procurement, construction and management supervision for the three metro routes.

The Systra-led consortium had submitted a bid of Rs 90.7 crore in June 2020 and was awarded the contract in May 2021. While the initial term of appointment was till November 2024, it was subsequently extended till December 2026.

However, the MMRDA issued a notice to Systra on January 3 informing the firm that the contract was being discontinued.

Systra argued in court that the notice had not been issued as per the terms of the agreement signed in 2021 and that...

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