​The Bombay High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Maharashtra government’s contract for the “Dial 108” ambulance project under the Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (MEMS). The PIL, filed by social and political worker Vikas Sadashiv Lawande, alleged irregularities in awarding the contract to a consortium including BVG India Ltd and Sumeet Facilities Limited.

The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Makarand S Karnik, emphasized that the project serves public interest and should proceed without court intervention. They noted that the previous contract with BVG India was extended from February 2019 to January 2024 without clear justification, and the new tender was subsequently awarded to the same consortium in March 2024.

Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, acting as amicus curiae, highlighted concerns about Sumeet Facilities’ prior role as an advisor to the state government and a pending forensic audit against BVG India. Despite these issues, the court ruled that the project must advance without interruption.

This decision allows the “Dial 108” ambulance project to continue as planned.​

Sources