New Delhi, Nov 28, : .Future Retail Limited (FRL), stated on Sunday that it believes that Amazon’s arrogance will not intimidate the Competition Commission of India.
It will follow up on its show cause notice against Amazon as required by law and regulations. “At this point, the counsels for Amazon, in total disregard to the norms, and in utter disrespect towards the Indian statutory regulator authority refused to argue it and walked out from the proceedings in an effort to browbeat CCI,” the FRL stated in a letter to stock markets.
Amazon tried to stall the personal hearing by claiming that they had filed an SLP with the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court order of November 16.
“The Hon’ble CCI refused a postponement of the hearing and continued with the same.Amazon’s counsels opted to continue and take part in the hearing during FCPL’s submissions.When it came time to make the submissions, Amazon counsel stated that Amazon had not been given as much time by FCPL and therefore should be allowed more time.After internal consultation, the CCI informed Amazon that postponement could not be granted and asked them to make oral submissions.” The FRL stated.
CCI wrote Future Coupons that it had heard the learned counsel representing FCPL and CAIT in detail.The Commission then called on the learned counsel representing Amazon to make its merits submissions.
After that, the learned counsel stated its inability to argue, stating that it could compromise the SLP and render the matter infructuous.
“The learned counsel also grieved that Amazon didn’t get enough time to file its reply.
The learned counsel did not make oral submissions despite being granted the opportunity.After hearing the counsels, the Commission decided to pass a proper order in due time,” the CCI stated.
Future Coupons, through its lawyers, wrote to the CCI after the hearing: “Amazon’s conduct smacks arrogance.” It has shown little respect for the Supreme Court, the Delhi High Court, and this commission.It could have moved Delhi High Court to extend the time or suspend the order, but it may not have felt it necessary to do so.
Instead, it filed an interim application to the Supreme Court relating to the arbitration proceedings.This proved its mistaken belief in the Supreme Court’s ability to grant relief to Amazon, throwing established rules for cause of action to the wind.
“When it failed in its efforts to obtain relief from the Supreme Court, it sought an adjournment at the CCI.When that was denied, the billion-dollar American company walked out of this hearing, showing contempt for Indian statutory authority.It asked the Commission to address this conduct of Amazon in a proper manner.”
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