India: CCI order to probe Uber for alleged dominance abuse

In fresh troubles for Uber, the Competition Appellate Tribunal (Compat) has ordered fair trade watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI) to probe afresh the alleged abuse of dominance by the popular taxi-hailing app operator.

The latest direction comes after Meru Travels Solutions approached the tribunal against CCI’s earlier decision against ordering an investigation into allegations against Uber of unfair practices including predatory pricing.

In an order dated 7 December, the tribunal has directed CCI’s probe unit director general (DG) to conduct a fresh probe into the allegations of abuse of dominance and anti- competitive practices by Uber.

“The size of discounts and incentives shows there are either phenomenal efficiency improvements which are replacing existing business models with the new business models or there could be an anti-competitive stance to it,” Compat said.

“In our view, there is a good enough reason for the director general to investigate this matter. It will also help in settling an issue which has agitated business discourse for quite some time,” the tribunal added.

It also asked CCI to pass appropriate order, on receipt of the investigation report, after giving opportunity to all parties to file their replies or objections and affording them opportunity of personal hearing.

Full Content: Live Mint

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