JUSTICE G. R. SWAMINATHAN AND THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE V. LAKSHMINARAYANAN W.P No. 18178 of 2025 A.Shankar Alias Savukku Shankar S/o. Achimuthu No.12/6, TNHB Flats,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
Reserved on : 23.05.2025
Pronounced on : 10.06.2025
CORAM
THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE G. R. SWAMINATHAN
AND
THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE V. LAKSHMINARAYANAN
W.P No. 18178 of 2025
A.Shankar Alias Savukku Shankar
S/o. Achimuthu No.12/6, TNHB Flats,
Maduravoyal Chennai-600095
… Petitioner
Vs
1. The Director Central Bureau of Investigation Plot No. 5-B, 6th Floor CGO Complex Lodhi Road New Delhi-110 003.
2.The Joint Director Central Bureau of Investigation South Zone, EVK Sampath Building, College Road, Chennai 600 006.
3.The Secretary to the Government
Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.
4.The Secretary to the Government
MSME Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.
5.Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board represented by its Managing Director, No.1, Pumping Station Road,
Chintadripet, Chennai-600 002.
(Respondents 3 to 5 suo-motu impleaded by order of the Court dated 14.05.2025 by GRSJ and VLNJ in W.P.No.18178 of 2025)
6.Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented by its Director Mr.Ravikumar Narra
111, 1st Floor, B Wing, Parmar Chambers
12, Connaught House Road, Station Road
Pune, Maharashtra – 411 001
7.Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt Ltd Represented by its Director Mr.Ravikumar Narra 16, Chinnaiah Street, T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017.
(R6 and R7 impleaded vide order of this Court dated 22.05.2025 made in WMP No.21189 of
2025 by GRSJ and VLNJ)
… Respondents
PRAYER
Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd Respondent to register an FIR based on the Petitioner’s complaint dated 27.03.2025, and to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the illegalities committed in the sanctioning of funds under the NAMASTE and AABCS schemes to fraudulent beneficiaries/persons, who were ineligible and not sanitation workers and the consequent misuse of Government funds, as well as into the role and nexus of the persons involved in the scam and the involvement of private entities, namely the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) and Gengreen Logistics Pvt.
Ltd and to file a final report in accordance with law.
For Petitioner : Mr.P.Rajkumar Pandian
For Respondents : Mr.N.Baaskaran,
Special Counsel – for R1 and R2
Mr.P.S.Raman, Advocate General assisted by Mr.L.S.M.Hasan Faisal
Additional Government Pleader-for R3 and R4
Mr.J.Ravindran, Additional Advocate General assisted by Mr.U.Baranidaran, Special Government
Pleader and Mr.Krishna Ravindran, Standing Counsel – for R5
Mr.Murali Kumaran, Senior Counsel for Mr.V.S.Venkatesh for R6 and R7 ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by G.R.SWAMINATHAN J.)
The petitioner is a well known YouTuber and social media influencer. According to him, there has been a siphoning of government funds in the implementation of sanitary workers development scheme by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. The petitioner lodged complaint with the Central Bureau of
Investigation. This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the Joint Director, Central Bureau of Investigation, Chennai to register an FIR based on the petitioner’s complaint dated 27.03.2025. The writ petition was listed for admission on 14.05.2025.
On the said date, the following order was passed :
“The petitioner has filed this writ petition alleging that
malpractices have been committed while implementing the petition mentioned project. The petitioner alleges that the beneficiaries were not chosen by Government Departments, but by a private non-statutory entity Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI). It is his further allegation that the beneficiaries so chosen by the said entity were awarded contracts by Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) and that thereafter they entered into agreements with one M/s.Gen Green Logistics Private Limited. The materials on record indicate that one Ravi Kumar Narra is figuring as a Director both in DICCI as well as in Gen Green Logistics Private Limited.
2. Before we consider the contentions of the petitioner on merits,
we propose to go through the relevant files ourselves. We therefore suo-motu implead, the Secretary to the Government, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, the Secretary to
Government, MSME Department, Government of Tamil Nadu and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) represented by its Managing Director as Respondents 3 to 5 respectively in this writ petition.
Registry is directed to amend the cause title accordingly.
3. Mr.N.Baaskaran takes notice for respondents 1 and 2. Mr.Hasan Fisal, learned Additional Government Pleader takes notice for respondents 3 and 4 and Ms.V.Vijayalakshmi takes notice for the 5th respondent.
4. The impleaded respondents are directed to produce the original
files pertaining to the petition mentioned project for our perusal on 16.05.2025. We make it clear that the writ petition itself would be finally disposed of on the said date. It is open to the impleaded respondents to file their written response in the meanwhile. Post on 16.05.2025.”
2.When the matter was listed on 16.05.2025, the following order was passed:
“By order dated 14.05.2025, we called upon the MSME Department, Municipal
Administration and Water Supply Department and Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board to produce the files. This was on account of an allegation made in the affidavit that the non statutory entity viz., Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (for short “DICCI”), had been given a contract to identify the beneficiaries and the beneficiaries so identified, had entered into an agreement with one Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt. Ltd. The materials indicated that one Mr. Ravikumar Narra was the control mind of DICCI as well as Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt. Ltd.
2. We posted the matter to today to enable the respondents to produce the files before us.
3. Today, when the matter was taken up for hearing, Mr.P.S.Raman, learned
Advocate General representing respondents 3 and 4 (State), stated that the
Government had passed G.O.(Ms.) No.75, Municipal Administration and Water Supply [MW(1)] Department dated 08.06.2023, whereby, the fifth respondent had been exempted from the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act, 1998 (Tamil Nadu Act 43 of 1998). Learned Advocate General further submitted that the role of the State Government stopped with the passing of the said Government Order. He produced a copy of the said Government Order. From the
Government Order, it is clear that DICCI had offered its services to identify the poor
SC/ST scavengers free of cost. In addition, DICCI had also stated that the beneficiaries who are identified would be given practical training in execution of the work with focus on safety and would also be given special training for skill development.
4. Mr. J. Ravindran, learned Additional Advocate General appearing for the fifth respondent (CMWSSB) stated that the beneficiaries who were identified by DICCI were awarded contracts and thereafter, the fifth respondent, the beneficiaries and Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt. Ltd. entered into separate tri-partite agreements. He further submitted that there has been transparency in the manner in which the entire process has been going on and he sought time to produce the files to satisfy this Court that the allegations made in the affidavit are entirely misplaced. He added that the Court has to look into the bona fides of the petitioner and thereafter, proceed further in the matter.
5. In order to satisfy ourselves on the submissions that have been made by respondents 3 to 5, we wanted to see the files.
6.Mr. Ravindran states that as two days time is insufficient, the fifth respondent requires some more time to produce the files before us.
7. Further, in the typed set of papers, the petitioner has enclosed a copy of the text of the speech made by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on 06.12.2024. The Hon’ble Chief Minister had specifically stated that DICCI was identified as a collaborator on the recommendation of Mr. Selvaperunthagai. The petitioner, in his affidavit, has made an allegation that Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt. Ltd. has two Directors in its Board, viz., Mr.Ravikumar Narra and Mr. R. Veeramani. He has further alleged that Mr.Veeramani is Mr.Selvaperunthagai’s nephew. The respondents shall confirm on the next date of hearing, if this allegation is right or wrong.
8. Coming to the request for grant of time, we are of the view that the same is reasonable. Therefore, post this matter on 21.05.2025 (Wednesday) in the top of the list to enable the fifth respondent to produce all the files relating to identification of beneficiaries, award of contracts to beneficiaries and the subsequent contracts entered into amongst the fifth respondent, beneficiaries and Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt. Ltd.”
In the meanwhile, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Gengreen
Logistics and Management Pvt Ltd moved the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India questioning the order dated 14.05.2025 made in this writ petition. The Hon’ble Supreme Court disposed of SLP(Civil) Diary No.27543/2025 on 19.05.2025. This writ petition was taken up for hearing on 22.05.2025. On the said date, the following order was passed :
“This writ petition was listed for admission on 14.05.2025. The case
was adjourned to 16.05.2025. On the said date, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) sought time to produce relevant files. In the meanwhile, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) and M/s.Gen Green Logistics Private Limited filed S.L.P.(Civil) Diary No.27543 of 2025 before the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the following order was passed:
” 1. Permission to file the Special Leave Petition is granted.
2. The grievance of the petitioners is that the High Court has proceeded with the matters affecting their rights, without even impleading them.
3. Learned counsel appearing for the respondent No.1 (Original Writ Petitioner) fairly states that he has no objection to the petitioners being impleaded as party respondents before the High Court.
4. We, therefore, permit the petitioners to file an impleadment application before the High Court. The High Court consider the said application and after permitting impleadment, pass appropriate orders after hearing all the concerned parties.
5. Till the decision on such application and order thereof, the impugned order shall be kept in abeyance.
6. Since the effected party, ie., the respondent No.1 is already present before the Court, requirement of notice shall stand waived.
7. The Special Leave Petition is disposed of in the above terms, along with pending application(s), if any.”
2. Today when the matter was taken up for hearing, for reasons that are
not quite clear, neither DICCI nor Gen Green Logistics have chosen to appear before us despite getting an order from the Hon’ble Supreme Court. But, the writ petitioner has filed an impleading petition to implead them. The impleading petition in W.M.P.No.21189 of 2025 is allowed. DICCI and Gen Green Logistics Private Limited are impleaded as respondents 6 and 7.
3. Thus, we have scrupulously adhered to the order passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. In terms of the undertaking given by the CMWSSB on 16.05.2025 before us, the Board is directed to produce the files before us. Call this case tomorrow (23.05.2025).”
3.When on 23.05.2025, the matter was taken up, the sixth and seventh
respondents entered appearance and were represented by a Senior Counsel. All the counsel reported they were ready. Hence, we took up the matter for hearing.
4.Mr.P.Rajkumar Pandian reiterated the contents of the affidavit. The fifth
respondent filed typed set of papers enclosing some of the relevant notifications and documents. The learned Additional Advocate General took us through its contents. He submitted that a benevolent scheme has been introduced by the Government of Tamil Nadu and the same is being implemented in all good faith. He pointed out that Thiru. Ravikumar Narra who is heading the sixth respondent entity is a well known activist and is a Padma Shri awardee. The learned Additional Advocate General attacked the credentials of the writ petitioner. Relying on the decision reported in (2005) 1 SCC 590 (Dattaraj Nathuji Thaware vs. State of Maharashtra), the learned Additional Advocate General called upon this Court to dismiss the writ petition as it suffers from bad faith and the writ petitioner has improper motives.
5.The learned Senior Counsel appearing for R6 and R7 also argued on the
same lines. He pointed out that the sixth respondent has an impressive track record of working successfully with other State governments.
6.We carefully considered the rival contentions and went through the materials
on record. The Government of Tamil Nadu issued G.O (Ms) No.1, Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MW) Department, dated 02.01.2023. Paragraph 8 of the said G.O reads as follows :
“The Government, after careful examination of the above proposal of the Managing Director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, accept the same and in supersession of the earlier Guidelines issued in the Government Order first read above, approve the Septage Management Regulations and Operative Guidelines as in the Annexure, regarding removal of septage from unsewered areas, regulation of sewer tanker lorries operating in the local bodies, prevention of illegal discharge of sewerage, thereby protecting the water bodies.”
Soon thereafter, the Government constituted a team of officials to visit New Delhi to study the outsourcing operation and maintenance of sewerage system in Delhi Jal Board. After noticing that Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has implemented a technology based solution in Hyderabad and Delhi, CMWSSB entered into a MoU with DICCI on 28.02.2023. Clause 2 of the said memo enumerates the responsibilities of
DICCI in the following terms :
“Responsibility of DICCI
DICCI, if entrusted by Government of Tamil Nadu, will take the responsibility of training, hand holding and mentoring the sanitation workers/legal heirs of deceased sanitation workers/persons belonging to SC/ST communities and develop them to be entrepreneurs. In such task, their responsibilities will also include the following:-
• Identifying the legal heirs of deceased sanitation workers.
• Providing necessary support and guidance to aspiring SC/ST Entrepreneurs.
• Capacity building and mentoring of persons who are sanitation workers/legal heirs of deceased sanitation workers/person belonging to SC/ST community, who are engaged by CMWSSI for maintenance of the sewer lines by using latest equipment and for supply of vehicles for septic tank clearance and helping them to organize themselves into a suitable corporate structure to render services professionally, the role and responsibilities an other details of which will be spelt out while Inviting tenders.
• The entrepreneurs will be trained in drafting business proposal plans, contract agreements, etc.
• Assistance to the entrepreneurs in getting loans sanctioned under various schemes of Government of Tamil Nadu and Government of India.
• Practical training in execution of work with focus on safety.
• Skill Development
This MoU cannot be used for any other purposes except for which meant, and will exclude purposes such as financing, advertising, assurance of any commitments on behalf of CMWSSB to third parties, etc., DICCI understands that there is no commitment on part of the CMWSSB or any departments of Government of Tamil Nadu to procure/purchase goods/services produced by DICCI or any of its Members under this MoU.
This MoU is not intended to be legally binding on the parties but expresses the spirit of the co-operation and the best intentions of the parties to achieve the purposes stated herein.”
This was followed by issuance of G.O (Ms) No.61, Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MW1) Department dated 11.05.2023. Para 5 to 8 of the said G.O read as
follows:
“5.The Managing Director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and
Sewerage Board has further stated that Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) has informed that it is a Not-for-Profit Company and do not participate in competitive tendering, and requested to exempt it under the Tamil Nadu Tender transparency Act so as to enable them to work with the Government of Tamil
Nadu to achieve the purpose mentioned above by signing a Memorandum of
Understanding with Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) has also stated that they would not be charging Chennal Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board/Government of Tamil Nadu for the above work.
6.Accordingly, Board, vide its Resolution No.16/2023 dated 27.02.2023 accorded approval for the above proposal of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI).
7.The Managing Director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has sought the orders of the Government to form a committee comprising of the following members as per Section 16(bb) of Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act 1998 to engage Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the scope of work, as detalled in para 4 above:
(i) The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Municipal Administration and Water Supply department.
(ii) The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Finance department.
(iii)The Managing Director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
(iv)The Engineering Director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
(v) Dr.S.Raja Samuel, Ph.D (Social Work), Principal, Madras
School of Social Work.
8.The Government after careful examination of the proposal of the Managing Director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has decided to constitute a Committee, with the composition detailed at para 7 above, under section 16(bb) of Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act, 1998, for its recommendation on engaging the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) for the scope of work as detailed at para 4 above in Chennai Metropolitan Area and order accordingly.”
Towards implementation of the above project to mechanise sewage cleaning
without human involvement, the board invited e-bids on 30.05.2023 from the eligible bidders for the following work :
“Deployment of Specially fabricated jetting cum grabbing machine (of
capacities 2KL and 6KL) for maintenance of sewer system for a period of seven years in Chennai Metropolitan Area Tender No.MAT/OT/106/2023)”
This tender notification was challenged by one Nallababu in WP No.20865 of 2023. The petitioner therein made quite a few allegations against DICCI without naming them as a party respondent. On the side of the CMWSSB, a detailed counter affidavit was filed by its Managing Director. It was asserted in the counter affidavit that DICCI has been working to promote entrepreneurship among SC and STs as a solution to their socio economic problems free of cost. In paragraph 11 of the counter affidavit, it was reiterated that the successful bidders should form a group management company. Clause
27 and 28 of the tender notification reads as follows :
“27. Signing of MoU between successful bidder and Group
Management Company (GMC)
The successful bidders shall form a Group Management Company (GMC) mentored by DICCI Accordingly a MoU has to be signed between the successful bidders and GMC/DICCI within 28 days from the date of work order.
28.Group Management Company
A tripartite agreement between the CMWSSB/DMA/DTP, the successful bidders and the GMC has to be executed. The GMC and the successful bidders will be jointly and severally responsible for the successful implementation of the scope of the work as per the agreement and for ensuring all statutory compliances. The details of the scope of the work is as below:
• The successful bidder in possession of Sewer Cleaning Machine, as specified in the contract, to hand over the same to the Group Management Company for carrying on the work as per the Terms of the Contract.
• A common pooling account will be opened for the purpose of receipt of payment for services operated by the bank/financing Institution in consent with Employer, successful bidder and GMC.
• The payment will be made through common pooling Account. The mandate for credits for bank/FI EMI, O & M and the successful bidder shall be provided by the GMC every month in agreement with the successful bidder.
• GROUP MANAGEMENT COMPANY (GMC)/Successful bidder to pay timely Insurance, Road Tax and all other taxes, fees and dues that may be applicable by RTO, State/Central govt/financing Bank, etc on behalf of the contractor with respect to the machine to the appropriate authorities within due date and hand over the receipts to the contractor and the same will be reimbursed by the Contractor.
• The GMC/Successful bidder shall bear all expenses including fuel, oils, lubricants and other necessary items regularly to the machine and keep the machine in good condition and the same shall be reimbursed.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall not have objection if the AWARDER wish to inspect the machine as and when he thinks necessary on demand.
• The GMC/Successful bidder shall recruit proper trained staff on behalf of the awarder/contractor for operating and maintenance of machine in good condition. Each vehicle will have one driver-cum operator and two helpers.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall pay salaries, wages and other statutory liabilities with regard to the staff as per the government policy on behalf of AWARDER/Contractor under his name and the same shall be reimbursed by the Awarder/Contractor.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall take up all minor repairs, regular maintenance including cleaning and other works with regard to the machine reimbursed of cost incurred.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall make necessary entries in the log book and get necessary satisfactory certificate from CMWSSB/DMA/DTP.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall work as per the tender specifications of CMWSSB and do the work to the satisfaction of CMWSSB/DMA/DTP authorities.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall arrange for a required quantity of fuel, hydraulic oils and lubricants for the operation of the daily shift ad tools, spares, consumables like brushes, hose pipes, suction rubber etc.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall adhere to the time schedule for attending the grievances/attending in the problem prone areas as per the time schedule of CMWSSB/DMA/DTP i.e.,8.30 am TO 5.30 PM or as advised by the CMWSSB/DMA/DTP Engineers in Charge. Night shifts to be carried out to address to the maintenance works at Bus route roads and busy arterial roads or wherever is required. The Engineer-in-Charge shall prepare provide the preventive maintenance/work schedule in advance for a week to the GMC/Successful bidder. The Engineer-inCharge shall be responsible for assistance/liaising with traffic department for any traffic clearance/road blockages in the designated area of work.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall make all necessary safe guard of staff while working in the machine holes and all the related expenses should be borne by the Contractor.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall deploy necessary administrative Staff for the smooth operations of the vehicle.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall deploy additional drivers/helpers to meet required availability drivers/helpers the absentees on the vehicle to provide uninterrupted services.
• The GMC/ Successful bidder shall work for 8.30 hrs/day (including lunch break) for 500 meter per day and the eventual transportation of silt collected to specified points as per the terms of CMWSSB/DMA/DTP. Night shifts to be carried out to address to the maintenance works at Bus route roads and busy arterial roads or wherever is required.
• Any dispute arising for the provisions not mentioned above shall be settled on mutual 3 understanding between both the parties.”
Recording these submissions, W.P.No.20865 of 2023 was dismissed. Specially fabricated jetting cum grabbing machine of 2KL and 6KL capacities were to be deployed for maintenance of sewerage system for a period of seven years in Chennai Metropolitan Area and the allotment as per category to the bidders was to be as follows :

7.There is no dispute that the tender process was concluded and as many as 213 bidders were issued with work orders. Copy of a sample work order issued in favour of one Bharathi Enterprises has been enclosed in the typed set of papers. It contained details regrading the capacity of the vehicle, rate per meter and the allotted area. Interestingly, 213 bidders who were awarded the contract did not form the group management company as envisaged in the tender notification. Instead, M/s.Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt Ltd was incorporated on 07.06.2023. It is not in dispute that originally this entity comprised only two Directors, namely, Thiru.Ravikumar Narra and one R.Veeramani. Each of the bidders entered into a contract with Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt Ltd and a tripartite agreement was entered into involving CMWSSB, the individual contractor and Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt Ltd.
8. A mere look at the terms of the bipartite and tripartite agreement would
show that the board would make periodical payments to a common pool account from which a major portion will be credited to the account of the company. Since the vehicles have been purchased through bank loans, the monthly EMI also has to be paid. The summary of operational expenses would speak for themselves :
Amount Received from CMWSSB in Escrow Account 2,21,881.00
EMI 78,000.00
Operating Expenses 1,22,909.00
Balance amount received to contractor through Current Ac 20,972.00
Total deduction which will be received in due course 6,137.00
Total earning by contractor 37,109.00
9.We made it clear to the learned Additional Advocate General that the
arrangement now put in place is not in consonance with what was originally envisaged. When this tender process was questioned in a public interest litigation in WP No.20865 of 2023, it was dismissed by holding that DICCI is only a facilitating body and that they have no role to play in the tender process. The learned counsel for the petitioner drew our attention to the speech of the Hon’ble Chief Minister made on 06.12.2024 that DICCI was chosen as project collaborator on the request of Thiru. Selva Perunthagai, the President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and an MLA. The petitioner has alleged that Thiru.Ravikumar Narra, the Director of Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt Ltd is a nephew of Mr.Selvaperunthagai. When we expressed our surprise that DICCI is not performing its mentor role and that the sanitary workers who had been awarded the contract are not the shareholders, Thiru.Ravikumar Narra with the leave of the court addressed us directly and fairly conceded that the defects highlighted in these writ proceedings will be set right. He wholeheartedly came forward to implement Clauses 27 and 28 of the tender notification referred to earlier. We expressed our happiness that the noble object of the subject process would be effectuated in letter and spirit.
10.In view of the categorical undertaking of R6 and R7, this writ petition is
disposed of with the following directions :
● The list of 213 awarders/contractors will be rechecked.
● The fifth respondent board will verify if each one of them fulfil the eligibility criteria for bidders set out in Clause 3 of the tender notification. The said clause contains a sequential order. It can be seen therefrom that priority has to be given to the legal heirs of the deceased sanitary workers, core sanitary workers and manual scavengers and other sanitary workers. It is true that even persons belonging to SC/STs can be a bidder. But that can be the case only if there are no persons from the priority categories mentioned above. The intention and object of the Government is to ensure that sanitary workers become entrepreneurs
(sanipreneurs). This laudable object would be defeated if the list does not contain an overwhelming number of sanitary workers/legal heirs of the deceased sanitary workers. It is for this reason, we direct the fifth respondent to certify under which category each of the beneficiaries fall. If it is found that the list of beneficiaries does not effectuate the government’s intention, the list will have to be revised and the entire process revisited.
● The Respondents 4 and 5 will coordinate with the officials in this regard and follow the principles of natural justice, if any person, needs to be deleted from the list. This exercise shall be completed within a period of 6 weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order. If necessary, there can even be substitution of beneficiaries by the 4th Respondent and the 3rd Respondent Board can award contracts in their favour in the place of the existing awardees. Compliance report shall be submitted to the registry and it shall be taken on record. The said compliance report shall also be posted in the website of the 3rd Respondent.
● The outcome of the said exercise will be informed in writing to the writ petitioner. We are constrained to issue such a direction because the petitioner has alleged that even advocates have been included in the list of beneficiaries.
● Neither Shri.Ravikumar Narra nor any other current director who is not a sanitary worker will have any shareholding in the GMC (5th Respondent). The said company which is now acting as GMC will have as its shareholders only those who have been awarded/ will be awarded the sub-contract by the fifth respondent board.
● As undertaken before us, DICCI will play the mentor role and handhold each and every contractor so that they alone constitute the body of shareholders as well as its governing body.
● DICCI will play the role cast on it in the tender notification and nothing more. In other words, the monetary fruits of the project will go only to the sanitary workers/legal heirs of the sanitary workers who have been awarded the contract.
● Thiru. Ravikumar Narra undertook before us that he will ensure that the benefits will reach only the contracted group and nobody else. Only if the sanitary workers/legal heirs of the deceased sanitary workers are not available, persons belonging to clause 3.1(5) could have been chosen and not otherwise.
● The exercise of integrating the sanitary workers/legal heirs of the sanitary workers into the corporate structure of Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt Ltd will be concluded within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order.
● Since the issues highlighted by the writ petitioner have been redressed on account of the fair concession made by Thiru.Ravikumar Narra and the non-adversarial stand taken by the official respondents, there is no need to direct the CBI to register a case on the petitioner’s complaint.
No costs.
(G.R.SWAMINATHAN J.) (V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN J.) 10-06-2025
SKM
Index : Yes/No
Internet: Yes/No
Neutral Citation : Yes/No
To
1. The Director Central Bureau of Investigation Plot No. 5-B, 6th Floor CGO Complex Lodhi Road New Delhi-110 003.
2.The Joint Director Central Bureau of Investigation South Zone, EVK Sampath Building, College Road, Chennai 600 006.
3.The Secretary to the Government
Municipal Administration and Water Supply
Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.
4.The Secretary to the Government
MSME Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.
5.Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board represented by its Managing Director, No.1, Pumping Station Road, Chintadripet, Chennai-600 002.
6.Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented by its Director Mr.Ravikumar Narra
111, 1st Floor, B Wing, Parmar Chambers
12, Connaught House Road, Station Road Pune, Maharashtra – 411 001
7.Gengreen Logistics and Management Pvt Ltd Represented by its Director Mr.Ravikumar Narra
16, Chinnaiah Street, T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017.
G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.
AND V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN, J.
SKM
W.P No. 18178 of 2025
10-06-2025
