Delhi High Court Issues Notice on Annulment of ₹120-Crore Shankaracharya Ropeway Tender

High Court of Delhi issues notice in a Writ challenging annulment of the concluded tender for INR 120 crores Ropeway Project at Shankaracharya Temple

A Division Bench of the High Court of Delhi has issued notice in relation to the annulment of the concluded tender for the proposed INR 120 Crores Adi Shankaracharya ropeway project.

The ropeway project in question carries exceptional national, strategic, religious, cultural, and public importance, being located at an army base and the Shankaracharya Temple, the same being revered as the first temple established by Adi Shankaracharya. The project is intended to facilitate safe and dignified access for pilgrims, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities and conceives and alternative route to the said shrine.

The proposed ropeway offers a non-intrusive and regulated alternative, balancing public access with national security considerations.

On behalf of the Petitioner, it was argued that state action, involving annulment of a concluded tender project is circumscribed by limitations on discretionary action under Article 14 of the Constitution of India, which prohibits arbitrariness in State action and such action by the state must conform to the principles of fair play and transparency. It was argued that annulment of the proposed ropeway project, without assigning any reasons whatsoever, is prima facie unsustainable in law.

Appeared for Petitioners:

**Kaadambari Singh, Senior Advocate, along with Shraddha Sharma **and Naveen Thakur (advocates)

Law Firm: Digambari Associates