Cases against cement companies in MRTP commission

Sl.

No.

Enquiry No./ File No.

Title of Enquiry with Respondent

Details of the case

1.

RTPE 99/1990

Director General  (Investigation & Registration) {DG(I&R)}

Versus                         

CEMENT MANUFACTUIRERS ASSOCIATION & OTHERS

DG(I&R) filed an application under section 10(a)(iii) of the MRTP Act against Cement Manufacturers, Bombay and 44 others cement manufacturers. It was alleged that the prices of cement had been fixed arbitrarily and in an unjustified manner by the Respondents. It was further alleged that there was little variation in the prices of several cement manufacturers in the same region inspite of the fact that the cost of production was not identical. The matter is listed on 28.11.2006 for cross-examination of respondents witnesses.

2.

MTPE 2/1992

DG  (I&R)         

Versus                         

Associated Cement Co. Ltd. Mumbai

The DG(I&R) had filed an application under section 10 of the MRTP Act, 1969 against Associated Cement Companies Limited, Bombay. It was alleged that the Respondents increased the prices from time to time without any increase in the cost of production and this had led to an unreasonable increase in the profit of the Respondent. The matter is listed for final arguments on 21.8.2006.

3.

RTPE 83/2000

DG  (I&R)                     

M/S GAYATRI AGENCIES, KANCHIPURAM

Versus                         

CEMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, CHENNAI & OTHERS

A complaint filed by M/s Gayatri Agencies against Cement Manufacturers Association, Chennai under section 10(a)(i) alleging, interalia, that the Respondent did not give free hand to the applicant in the matter of prices, sale and distribution of cement by imposing various restrictions. The matter was referred to D.G.(I&R) for investigation. The D.G. (I&R) filed Preliminary Investigation Report stating that the respondents are indulging in Restrictive Trade Practices under sections 33(1)(d) and Section 2 (o) of the MRTP Act. The matter is listed on 21.8.2006 for consideration.

4.

RTPE 21/2001

SHRI SERVEJIT S. MOKHA & ANOTHER

Versus                         

CEMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION & OTHERS

Shri Servejit Mokha & Another have filed a complaint against Cement Manufacturers Association and 10 others under section 10(a) (i) and 36 B(a) alleging, interalia, that the said cement manufacturers had formed a cartel and had increased the prices. Notice of Enquiry against 11 Respondents was issued. The proceedings before the Commission have been stayed by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi on 10.5.2005. The matter is adjourned to 13.10.2006 for further consideration.

5.

RTPE 32/2006

DG  (I&R)                     

Versus 

GUJARAT AMBUJA CEMENTS       

LTD. & OTHERS

D.G.(I&R)  filed an application under section 10 (a)(iii), read with section 37 of the MRTP Act, 1969 against Gujarat Ambuja Cements Limited and two others alleging that the respondents in collusion have created an artificial scarcity of cement resulting in increase in prices, which constitutes a Restrictive Trade Practice as defined under section 2(o) read with section 33(1)(d) of the MRTP Act, 1969. The matter is listed before the Commission on 31.8.2006 for consideration.

6.

File No. 30(79) 2006

The MRTP Commission has directed the D.G.(I&R) to investigate into the sudden and steep increases in prices of cement reported in the print media during May-2006. It was reported that the prices of cement rose from Rs. 140 to Rs. 220-240/- per bag with in a period of two months. It was also reported that the cement manufacturers have entered into a cartel.  The Preliminary Investigation Report is awaited.