Madras HC Declares K. Arumuga Mudaliar & Co. Winner Of Island Grounds Diwali Crackers Tender, Sets Nov 1 Deadline For Permissions

The Association sought consideration of its representations and allotment of space at Island Grounds, Chennai, for the annual sale of Diwali firecrackers, relying on previous court orders.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) informed the Court that the allotment would be made through a competitive tender, and directed the Association to participate.

The Court monitored the tender process after the Association raised concerns about transparency.

Two bidders participated; only M/s. K. Arumuga Mudaliar & Co. qualified technically and its financial bid of ₹59,54,280 was the highest.

The petition invoked Article 226 of the Constitution, seeking mandamus.

The Court did not identify or apply any specific statutory provision, precedent, or separately formulated legal test.

Its consideration of transparency proceeded through the tender terms and its directions for supervision of the bid-opening process.

In response to the transparency concern, the Court monitored the tender, recorded the publication and terms of the tender, and directed that the bids be opened before the Registrar (District Judiciary) in the presence of officials, tenderers, and an Association representative.

The Registrar’s reports showed that one bidder was technically qualified and that its bid was the highest.

On those reported results, the Court treated the tender process as completed and identified the successful bidder.

It directed the respondents to expedite the letter of acceptance and necessary permissions so that the shop could be set up by 1 November 2026, noting that Diwali fell on 8 November 2026.

No costs were ordered, and the connected miscellaneous petition was closed.