HC denies relief to Maytas Infra in Salem Highway case

The Bombay High Court has denied any interim relief to Maytas Infra, the company promoted by Ramlingam Raju's son, in a dispute related to expansion of a stretch of Salem Highway (NH 68).

Maytas had moved to the court challenging termination of its contract by Utility Energytech and Engineers last month.        

Maytas had also sought a temporary stay to the termination, but Justice Anup Mohta of Bombay High Court last week refused to pass any interim order.        

National Highway Authority of India awarded contract for highway expansion for a 62-km stretch in Tamil Nadu to Utility Energytech and Engineers in 2007.        

Maytas entered into a separate agreement with Utility as a subcontractor.        

Last month, Utility sent a termination notice to Maytas. Both parties have alleged breach of agreement.        

Maytas also moved the court. But justice Mohta, in the order last week, said that "once party has taken decision based on commercial wisdom (to terminate contract) court can not compel it to allow other party to continue."        

Since Maytas has also appointed arbiter, it can get relief by way of compensation, judge said.        

Unless all the facets of the case are decided, no interim injunction can be granted, he added.