The Kerala High Court on Tuesday set aside a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the Director of the Grant Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) with the Kerala Vypari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samthi for printing and distribution of coupons for GKSF.

Justice P.R. Ramachandra Menon also ordered the State government and GKSF to convene a fresh meeting of all persons concerned and finalise a new MoU.

The judge passed the order while allowing a writ petition filed by Binny Emmatti, president, Kerala Samsthana Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi. The MoU signed by the GKSF with T. Nazirudeen, president, Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, was without giving any public notice. As a result, the petitioner was not able to submit his proposals.

According to the MoU, the expenditure of coupon printing would be borne by the Ekopana Samithi through sponsors and by distribution of coupons to registered mercantile establishments. The Ekopana Samithi was allowed to charge Rs 10 for each coupon from the registered mercantile establishments.

Counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner’s attempt was also to protect the interests of the State in conducting the GKSF. The petitioner was willing to meet the entire expenditure of the coupon printing.

The court said it found considerable force in the submission of the petitioner that he had not been taken into confidence while finalising the decision.

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