Award of Sabarimala masterplan work to Ecosmart upheld by HC

Kochi, Dec 14

A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court has turned down a writ petition challenging the award of contract to IL & FS Ecosmart India Limited for preparing a master plan for the development of Sabarimala.

The petitioner, Mr Inesh V of Ernakulam has contended that Ecosmart was a limited company, which was prohibited under the Architects Act, 1972 for carrying on the profession of an architect either directly or indirectly by employing registered architects.

Dismissing the petition, the Bench consisting of Justice R Bhaskaran and Justice M Sasidharan Nambiar said “the Act is not applicable to the preparation of master plan for Sabarimala development as the works involved are not mere construction of buildings”.

The Travancore Devaswom Board’s opposition to the award of this work to Ecosmart was not given any attention by the Court.