Panel formed to inquire into Walmart lobbying issue

Justice Mukul Mudgal will head the panel

Government has constituted a committee under Justice Mukul Mudgal to inquire into media reports on disclosures of Walmart in the US regarding its lobbying activities and whether the retail giant undertook any activity in India in contravention of law.

Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha said, "Ministry of Corporate Affairs has constituted a committee vide resolution dated January 31, 2013, under the Chairmanship of Justice Mukul Mudgal, former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court...."

As per the terms of reference, the committee has been asked to inquire into the recent media reports on disclosures of Walmart before the US Senate regarding their lobbying activities, the minister said.     The committee is also mandated to probe if Walmart undertook any activity in India in contravention of any Indian law and any other matter relevant or incidental to the case, the minister said.

The committee is to submit its report within three months from issuance of the resolution, he said.

As per the lobbying disclosure reports filed by Walmart with the US Senate, the company has spent close to USD 25 million (about Rs 125 crore) since 2008 on its various lobbying activities, including on the issues related to enhanced market access for investment in India.