The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has urged the Supreme Court to consolidate all the cases against e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart in the country to expedite the antitrust probe.
In a petition, the nation’s competition watchdog sought consolidation of multiple proceedings filed by at least 20 e-tailers of Amazon and Flipkart at various high courts, alleging that they attempt to “scuttle the investigation” against the two e-commerce giants.
The matter pertains to a 2019 antitrust probe against Amazon and Flipkart for giving preferred treatment to some e-tailers, including Cloudtail India Pvt, Samsung India Electronics Pvt, Vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd and Appario Retail Pvt, according to reports.
The CCI stated before the apex court that multiple proceedings initiated before the high courts aim to 'stall' the proceedings before the regulator.
The cases filed before different high courts are an "attempt to scuttle the well-established procedure of investigation laid down under the Act," and if allowed to continue, it will lead to "absurdity."
It has been alleged that the cases intend to restrict CCI’s investigation only against those parties that have been identified by the regulator for the purposes of an investigation.
The competition watchdog pointed out that writs filed by e-tailers are based on entirely misconceived issues of law, resulting in grave prejudice to the regulator, “as its enquiry has been halted, which is affecting the public and e-commerce sector as a whole,” the petition reads.
The commission has stated that all arguments that are being made before various high courts can be raised before the commission itself. It has been contended that the non-confidential version of the investigation report has been shared with the parties involved, and such parties can object wherever it is deemed fit.
Amazon and Flipkart were yet to comment.
The plea seeks that these matters, which are presently being heard by 6 different high courts across the country, be combined and heard by either the Supreme Court or the Delhi High Court.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
PM Modi on 3-day visit to MP, Bihar, Assam from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from February 23 to 25 to participate in several developmental projects and inaugurate business summits.
US senators call out China for 'weaponising' UN 1971 resolution, vow support to Taiwan
The United States Senators accused China of subverting United Nations Resolution 2758 in an attempt to isolate Taiwan. The senators proposed a resolution in the Senate reaffirming US support for Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's attempt to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations.