Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Corporate Affairs

06-February-2013 18:00 IST

Taking note of Press Reports concerning Wal-Mart regarding its disclosure filed in the US Senate declaring its expenditure close to 25 Million Dollars (About Rs. 125 crore) since 2008 on lobbying activities undertaken by it in India, Government had given an assurance in Parliament to entrust an inquiry into the matter by a retired judge.

Pursuant to this assurance, Government has appointed a one man Inquiry Committee headed by Shri Justice Mukul Mudgal, former Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court, to inquire into media report(s) on lobbying activities of Wal-Mart with the following terms of reference:

a) To inquire into recent media reports on disclosures of Wal-Mart before the US Senate regarding their lobbying activities and details thereof.

b) Whether Wal-Mart undertook any activities in India in contravention of any Indian law. c) Any other matter relevant or incidental to the above.

The Committee has to submit its report within three months. Ministry of Corporate Affairs is providing the administrative and functional support to the Committee.

Now, the Government of India is inviting all members of the public to furnish information having a bearing on the Terms of Reference including document(s), if any, within a fortnight to the Convenor, Wal-Mart Inquiry Committee at Room No. 208, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, Maulana Azad Road, New Delhi- 110 011. Information can also be sent to the following e-mail address:- [email protected]

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Inquiry into corporate lobbying solicits public information to assess alleged unlawful activities and compliance with Indian law. An Inquiry Committee chaired by a retired judge will examine media reports and disclosed lobbying details to determine whether the company undertook activities in India contrary to any Indian law, consider other relevant matters, and submit a report within three months; the Ministry of Corporate Affairs will provide administrative and functional support and the public is invited to furnish information and documents to the Convenor at the specified address or email within a fortnight.