CCI Tells Delhi High Court It Will Defer Summons Issued To Madison Communications Executives Amid Ongoing Probe

The Competition Commission of India informed the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that the summons issued to Madison Communications's executives for appearing today will be adjourned, after a request was made by the advertising agency.

The statement was made by Senior Advocate Jayant Mehta appearing for CCI before Justice Sachin Datta.

Mehta said that although summons were issued to Madison Communications' executives, including its Director, for appearing today before the Director General of CCI, the matter shall be adjourned at the request made by the company in question, which shall be without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the antitrust body.

Madison Communications was represented by Senior Advocate Saurabh Kirpal.

Mehta said that further summons will be issued to the company in due course.

Taking the statement on record, the Court issued notice on the plea filed by Madison Communications challenging the probe initiated by CCI.

The Court sought response of the antitrust body and also asked the advertising agency to file its rejoinder, if any, before the next date of hearing.

Madison Communications has challenged the investigation launched by CCI on the ground that that its executives were questioned “unlawfully” during the raids conducted in March without presence of their legal counsels.

The probe was launched over allegations of collusion on advertising rates and discounts.

As per the petition, Madison Communications has contended that its Chairman and Executive Director were questioned in the middle of the night without an opportunity being given to consult their lawyers.

It has also been claimed and the questioning took place in the presence of armed personnel.

The plea states that raids conducted by CCI were illegal as the antitrust body failed to provide details of the documents and files which were seized.

Madison Communications has said that such lack of disclosure violates the principles of transparency, fairness, and due process.

Title: MADISON COMMUNICATIONS PVT LTD & ORS v. COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA THROUGH ITS SECRETARY MR INDER PAL SINGH BINDRA & ANR