SC dismisses Asian Paints’ appeal against CCI probe

LEGAL SETBACK

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

THE SUPREME COURT on Monday refused to entertain a plea by Asian Paints against the Competition Commission of India’s order directing an investigation against it for allegedly abusing its dominant position in the market.

A bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi refused to interfere with the Bombay High Court order, which had upheld the CCI probe. As the apex court was not inclined to entertain the matter, the matter was dismissed as withdrawn.

The CCI direction followed a complaint filed by Grasim Industries (Birla Paints division), which accused Asian Paints of engaging in exclusionary practices aimed at stifling its entry and growth in the decorative paints segment.