2021 (3) TMI 1469 - HC - Law of Competition

Madras HC Permits Oral Submissions via Video Conferencing u/s 19 of Competition Act, Ensuring Equal Opportunity.

Manoj K. Sheth Versus The Competition Commission of India

The Madras HC allowed the petitioner to make oral submissions via video conferencing in proceedings under Section 19 of the Competition Act, 2002, ... Permission to make oral submissions in proceedings under Section 19 of the Competition Act, 2002 - HELD THAT:- Without going into the merits of the matter and without going into the legal issues raised by the respondent in this writ petition, the following directions are issued : i) The petitioner is permitted to submit his oral submissions through video conferencing through his counsel on 19.03.2021 at 11.00 a.m. ii) The respondent is directed to pass final orders after considering the oral submissions as well as the documentary evidence placed by the petitioner before the respondent. Petition disposed off. In the case before the Madras High Court, presided over by The Honourable Mr. Justice Abdul Quddhose, the petitioner sought permission to make oral submissions in proceedings under Section 19 of the Competition Act, 2002. The petitioner argued that, unlike the opposite parties, he had not been given the opportunity to present oral submissions during the enquiry proceedings. The court found that granting this request would not prejudice the respondent.Without addressing the merits or legal issues of the case, the court issued specific directions:1. The petitioner is allowed to present oral submissions via video conferencing through his counsel on March 19, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.2. The respondent must consider these oral submissions and the documentary evidence before issuing final orders.The court emphasized that this order is not to be treated as a precedent in other cases. The writ petition was disposed of with no costs, and any related miscellaneous petitions were closed.