SC to hear DLF challenge against competition panel order on Feb 18

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will hold a hearing on February 18 to decide the issue of jurisdiction of Competition Commission of India (CCI) in a case relating to alleged adoption of “unfair business practices” by real estate major DLF.

A bench headed by Justices S J Mukhopadhaya and N V Ramana did not pass any order to restrain CCI from passing orders against DLF's housing projects in Gurgaon. “We will first hear the question of jurisdiction. Whether Competition Commission had the jurisdiction,” the bench said while posting the matter for hearing on February 18.

The apex court said at this stage, the primary question to be determined was whether the CCI can look into the quality of service rendered in an agreement and whether it breached anti-trust laws.

During hearing, senior advocate C A Sundaram, appearing for DLF, said CCI has ordered a fresh probe against the real estate major for abusing dominant position and was also imposing fines. 

Senior advocate Amit Sibal, appearing for CCI, however contended that the appeals have to be heard in full and they cannot be heard on the issue of jurisdiction alone.

Earlier, DLF had filed a fresh undertaking in the apex court saying it be allowed to deposit balance Rs 480 crore out of total Rs 630 crore fine imposed on it by CCI in six monthly installments starting 

January 15.