Full Judgment Text
JUDGMENT
Writ Petition No. 1204/2025 — Hindustan Unilever Ltd. vs Competition Commission of India
This writ petition was filed challenging the Competition Commission of India's jurisdiction to investigate alleged anti-competitive practices in the petitioner's distribution network and the legality of a dawn raid conducted at HUL's corporate headquarters.
HELD:
1. CCI has jurisdiction to investigate vertical agreements, including resale price maintenance and exclusive distribution arrangements, under Section 3(4) of the Competition Act, 2002.
2. The investigation stage is quasi-administrative in nature and does not attract the full panoply of natural justice. The petitioner's challenge to the dawn raid on grounds of procedural fairness is premature.
3. The Director General's powers under Section 41 of the Competition Act are inquisitorial and the petitioner cannot resist a search and seizure conducted with proper authorisation.
The writ petition is dismissed. Liberty to challenge any order passed by CCI at the conclusion of proceedings.
Writ Petition No. 1204/2025 — Hindustan Unilever Ltd. vs Competition Commission of India
This writ petition was filed challenging the Competition Commission of India's jurisdiction to investigate alleged anti-competitive practices in the petitioner's distribution network and the legality of a dawn raid conducted at HUL's corporate headquarters.
HELD:
1. CCI has jurisdiction to investigate vertical agreements, including resale price maintenance and exclusive distribution arrangements, under Section 3(4) of the Competition Act, 2002.
2. The investigation stage is quasi-administrative in nature and does not attract the full panoply of natural justice. The petitioner's challenge to the dawn raid on grounds of procedural fairness is premature.
3. The Director General's powers under Section 41 of the Competition Act are inquisitorial and the petitioner cannot resist a search and seizure conducted with proper authorisation.
The writ petition is dismissed. Liberty to challenge any order passed by CCI at the conclusion of proceedings.