Bidder's Typographical Error in Rs.1,569 vs Rs.15.04 Crore Bid Results in Rs.1 Crore Penalty

SC ruled on a contract dispute involving a bidding error where appellant mistakenly bid Rs.1,569 instead of Rs.15,04,64,000. While acknowledging appellant's error in failing to add zeros in the financial bid, the court found Border Roads Organisation's (BRO) response disproportionate. The court determined this was not a Section 20 case of mutual mistake under Indian Contract Act, but rather a unilateral error. BRO's actions in encashing bank guarantee and declaring appellant defaulter were deemed unjustified, given the obvious typographical nature of the error. Court directed appellant to pay Rs.1 crore as penalty, ordering BRO to return the Rs.15.04 crores bank guarantee within one week. Appeal allowed, emphasizing practical resolution of evident mistakes over punitive measures. .....

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