India, July 21 -- The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the Centre's plea challenging a Delhi High Court verdict that quashed the tender process for outsourcing Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services at Indian missions in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Singapore and Canberra.

The top court, however, allowed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Engineers India Limited (EIL) to make temporary arrangements to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services while a fresh tender process is completed. "The SLP (special leave petition of the Centre) is dismissed.

"However, having heard learned counsel for the parties and taking note of the submissions made before us, we are of the view that no impediment should be caused to the day-to-day functioning ...