In September 2018, Water. Desalination + reuse (Faversham House) reported that the Madras High Court, acting on a petition by Suez International, had barred Chennai Metrowater from issuing the work order for the planned 150,000 m³/day Nemmeli plant. Suez argued it was the only qualified bidder. When the court heard the case on 25 September 2018, the bids were already open and the lowest bidder identified. Acciona Agua and a Cobra and Tecton joint venture were possibly also qualified. The next hearing was set for 1 October 2018.
The report showed the Nemmeli award stalling in court again after almost two years and several deadline extensions, this time at the request of an international bidder.