HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad High Court dismissed a petition filed challenging the circular issued by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) to enforce sale of branded bottled water (Bisleri brand) in bus stations of the corporation across the state.
Justice A V Sesha Sai while dismissing the petition by D Jahed Basha and several others who were running stalls in various bus stations falling under TSRTC, said that parties which have entered into agreements to sell only items indicated in deeds of license, cannot seek relief for avoiding the same.
The case of the petitioners was that the corporation entered into an unholy business deal with Bisleri company for unlawful enrichment of its higher officials at the cost of the licensees of all the stalls by debarring the water bottles of all other recognised and reputed companies in bus stations of TSRTC and compelling all the licensees to purchase the said brand from the nominated distributor at a very higher rate than that of the market rate.
On the other hand, the corporation contended that it has issued the circular with a view to abandon sale of spurious water bottles by the licensees in bus stations. Several complaints were received from the passengers regarding quality of water and charging of higher rates by stall owners.
To enforce sale of branded bottled water in bus stations corporation invited open tenders and Bisleri firm emerged as successful bidder.
Further, based on representations, corporation issued further instructions keeping it open for licensees of water bottles to continue to sell water bottles of reputed brands with “BIS” and “FSSAI” certification in addition to Bisleri bottles with corporation logo, it said.
After hearing both sides, judge upheld decision of corporation. He, however, granted one month’s time to licensees of shops concerned to clear stock of water bottles.