Probe against Amazon, Flipkart: SC says all pending cases should go to Karnataka HC
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday said the petitions of e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart challenging an order of the Competition Commission of India ordering a probe against them for alleged malpractices should be transferred to the Karnataka High Court.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Manmohan issued a notice on the plea filed by the CCI which sought the transfer of the petitions filed by the e-commerce platforms from the high courts to the top court or the Delhi high court.
"Issue notice. Prima facie, we are of the view that all cases, which are pending in various High Courts should be transferred to Karnataka High Court for hearing," the bench said and posted the matter on January 6, 2025.
The top court, however, asked the Karnataka High Court not to proceed with the hearing on the petitions filed by e-commerce giants.
During the hearing, attorney general R Venkataramani submitted CCI did not have an objection if the matter was heard by the Karnataka High Court.
In its plea before the top court, the CCI sought directions to transfer the cases pending before the high courts of Allahabad, Madras, Telangana, Punjab & Haryana, Delhi and Karnataka, either to the Supreme Court or the Delhi High Court.
The fair trade regulator CCI ordered the probe against Flipkart and Amazon for alleged malpractices, including deep discounting and tie-ups with preferred sellers on their platforms.
The CCI's probe order followed a complaint by Delhi Vyapar Mahasang, whose members comprise many traders dealing in smart phones and related accessories.
Following the CCI's order, Amazon and Flipkart filed separate petitions in various high courts, challenging the investigation.
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12 Indians found dead at restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri: Indian mission
Tbilisi, Dec 16: Twelve Indian nationals were found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri, according to the Indian mission here.
Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement that no signs of injuries or signs of violence were detected in an initial inspection. All victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning, local media reported, citing police.
The Indian mission in Tbilisi said that all 12 victims were Indian nationals. However, Georgia's internal affairs ministry statement said 11 were foreigners while one victim was its citizen.
It added that the bodies of all victims, employees in the same Indian restaurant, were found in bedrooms on the second floor of the facility.
"Mission has just learned about the death of 12 Indian nationals in Gudauri, Georgia. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Mission is in touch with the local authorities to get details of the Indian nationals who lost their lives. All possible assistance will be given," the Indian mission here said in a statement.
The police started an investigation under Article 116 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which implies negligent manslaughter.
According to the preliminary investigation, a power generator was placed in an indoor area, a closed space near the bedrooms, which was turned on, probably after the power supply was turned off on Friday night.
A forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the "exact cause of death".
Investigative actions are "actively" being carried out, with forensic-criminalistics working on the spot, and interviews of persons related to the case are being conducted.
