The Kerala High Court on Friday granted permission to proceed with the demolition of the dilapidated towers of Chander Kunj Army Tower at Vyttila in Kochi, clarifying that the demolition would be subject to the outcome of a petition challenging the contract awarded to a Mumbai-based company.
Court Order and Directions
Justice A A Ziyad Rahman issued the order while hearing a petition filed by PK Unique Projects Pvt Ltd, based in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu. The petitioner challenged the award of the demolition contract to Edifice Engineering, a Mumbai-based company. The court directed the respondents, including the Ernakulam district collector and the Army Housing Welfare Organisation, to file counter-affidavits in response to the petition.
Government's Submission
Appearing for the state government, the additional advocate general submitted that the contract was awarded to the Mumbai-based company due to its technical expertise and experience in handling such operations, particularly in ensuring that the demolition does not adversely affect nearby buildings. The court recorded this submission and stated that the pendency of the petition would not preclude the demolition process. The matter was adjourned to July 14.
Petitioner's Allegations
The petitioner company alleged that despite being the lowest bidder for the demolition contract, it was excluded from consideration without any reason being assigned. It claimed that the contract was awarded to a preferred bidder, Edifice Engineering, in disregard of the conditions and guidelines governing the tender process. The petitioner further alleged that although the district collector's committee had informed it that a work order would be issued in its favour, no such order was issued even after a considerable lapse of time. Upon making inquiries with the office of the executive engineer, PWD buildings division, the petitioner learned that a decision had been taken to award the work to the Mumbai-based company, prompting it to approach the High Court.
Background
Earlier, in February 2025, the court had directed the demolition and reconstruction of Towers B and C of the Chander Kunj Army Tower complex at Silver Sand Island, Vyttila, in view of their dilapidated condition.
