Gurgaon plots: HC dismisses DLF plea questioning CCI jurisdiction

The Delhi HC has dismissed KP Singh-led DLF Home Developers Ltd’s plea questioning whether the CCI had the jurisdiction to probe allegations of anti-competitive practices against it regarding its residential projects in Gurgaon.

The Delhi high court has dismissed KP Singh-led DLF Home Developers Ltd’s plea questioning whether the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had the jurisdiction to probe allegations of anti-competitive practices against it regarding its residential projects in Gurgaon.

The CCI will decide the complaint case against DLF on merit, the court said.

The CCI had in 2011 imposed a fine of Rs. 630 crore on DLF for abusing its dominant position in the real estate market. The order was upheld by the COMPAT in May this year.

The competition watchdog is currently probing allegations against DLF of having drafted a one-sided agreement with flat buyers in its New Town Heights project in Gurgaon.

In its six-page verdict, the court said the CCI and the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) have held that the ant-trust regulator has the jurisdiction to entertain complaints against DLF. If the company is aggrieved by the final decision of the CCI, it shall be at liberty to challenge the same by way of an appeal, it said.

The watchdog’s order had come on the complaints of flat owners and allottees of Belaire, Park Place and Magnolia residential projects of DLF. They had complained of imposition of unfair and discriminatory conditions by the builder.