Madras High Court quashes Competition Commission of India
investigation against MRF Limited for lack of transparency in
proceedings
The Madras High Court (“MHC”) in
the case of MRF Limited v. Competition Commission
of India & Ors1. has held that the
Competition Commission of India
(“CCI”) ought to have given notice to
MRF Limited (“Petitioner”) prior to
changing its status to an ‘opposite party' from a
‘third party' and must issue a speaking order to
justify such a change given the need for procedural fairness and
compliance with legal principles.
Brief Background
On September 21, 2018, the Directorate of State Transport,
Haryana (“Complainant”) invited bids
for a tender for purchase of steel radial tyres. JK Tyres &
Industries Limited (“JK Tyres”) was a
sole bidder in the said tender and certain subsequent tenders, even
though there were other companies that manufactured steel radial
tyres. The Complainant made a reference to CCI against JK Tyres
alleging
