Karnataka HC pulls up state govt, BSWML over Waste Management Tender

Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court has sharply criticized the state government and the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) for issuing a fresh tender for waste management services, rather than re-tendering the previous one. This pertains to the collection, primary transportation, and secondary transportation of wet and dry waste generated within the city limits, as well as street sweeping.

A single-judge bench of Justice M. Nagaprasanna, while hearing a review petition filed by S.N. Balasubramanyam, Secretary of the Bengaluru Mahanagara Swachhata Mattu Lorry Maligala Sangha and Contractors Association, questioned the legality of the new tender notification issued on May 28 by BSWML.

During the proceedings, Advocate P. Prasanna Kumar, representing the petitioners, argued that the court had previously directed the authorities to re-tender the earlier process and allow all previous tender applicants to participate. He highlighted that the government had also given an undertaking to the court that it would opt for a re-tender and not issue a fresh one. By issuing a new tender, the government has, in effect, committed contempt of court, the advocate submitted to the bench.

The government's counsel, however, objected to this argument, stating that the petitioners were misleading the court. He contended that the previous tender and the new tender issued on May 28, 2025, are different and cannot be compared. The counsel further clarified that waste disposal has been separately packaged for the North, South, East, and West zones.

The court has adjourned the hearing to June 30.