Wal-mart issue: Govt proposing commission of inquiry

The government is proposing to set up a commission of inquiry to probe reported allegations that retail giant Wal-Mart had indulged in lobbying activities in India and find out whether these were in contravention of Indian laws.

 

The proposal to set up a one-man commission to be headed by a retired high court chief justice or judge is expected to be considered by the Cabinet tomorrow.

The move comes over a month after the proceedings of Parliament during the Winter session were paralysed over the issue.

Following uproar by Opposition parties, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath had announced that the government was ready for a probe and that it will be headed by a retired judge.

According to the proposal of the Corporate Affairs Ministry, the Commission, to be set up under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1951, will submit its report within three months of its constitution.

The Terms of Reference include probe into "recent media reports regarding their lobbying activities" and "whether Wal-Mart undertook any activity in India in contravention of any Indian law".

Under the Commission of Inquiry Act, it is obligatory on part of the government to table the probe report as well as the action report in Parliament.