The Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) has set aside the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) order of imposing a ₹1,773-crore fine on Coal India.
After complaints filed by the Maharashtra State Power Generating Company and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation, the CCI had fined Coal India ₹1,773 crore for abusing its dominant position as a supplier of coal.
The CCI also passed orders in cases filed by the West Bengal Power Development Corporation, Madhya Pradesh Power Generation Company, Sponge Iron Manufacturers Association and Gujarat Heavy Chemicals. In these cases, the CCI did not levy any penalty but required Coal India to cease unfair conduct and modify the terms of its agreements. However, the COMPAT has set aside all these orders, including the fine and asked CCI to complete its proceedings within two months from the date of receipt of COMPAT’s order.