The court noted that no favour had been shown to the successful bidder and that BESCOM had subsequently negotiated with the successful bidder on terms more favourable to it.
Published Dec 03, 2025 | 12:39 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 03, 2025 | 12:39 PM
Karnataka Energy Minister KJ George. (thekjgeorge/ X)
Synopsis: Granting relief to state Energy Minister KJ George and BESCOM officials, the Karnataka High Court quashed a private complaint that alleged irregularities in the issuance of tenders regarding the procurement and installation of smart electric meters in the state.
Granting relief to state Energy Minister KJ George and BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) officials, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, 2 December, quashed a private complaint by BJP leaders. The complaint had alleged irregularities in the issuance of tenders regarding the procurement and installation of smart electric meters in the state.
They alleged that the minister and BESCOM officials conspired to manipulate the tender for supplying and installing smart meters, accusing the officials of undervaluing the tender, relaxing eligibility norms, and violating procurement rules to benefit a preferred vendor.
On 23 July, the Additional City Civil and Sessions Court had ordered registration of a private complaint report (PCR) against George, Former BESCOM Managing Director D Mahantesh Bilagi and Technical Director HJ Ramesh.
The court had also instructed the Lokayukta Police to file a status report on the alleged lapses.
“The trial court, without applying its mind to the allegations in the contract, has called for a report from the Lokayuktha, which, in my opinion, is erroneous,” said Justice MI Arun of the high court, while delivering the order.
He further said that the manner in which the tender had been floated and the terms and conditions of the contract are mentioned, at the maximum, the same can be challenged as being in violation of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act, but no criminality can be attributed to the accused.
The court noted that no favour had been shown to the successful bidder and that BESCOM had subsequently negotiated with the successful bidder on terms more favourable to it.
“Whatever changes have taken place are for the benefit of the State or as a natural consequence of the business transactions, for which no criminality can be attributed to the accused,” the court said.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Anisha Reddy.)
