CCI rules out anti-competitive ways by Ambience, Haryana govt

Fair trade watchdog CCI has rejected allegations of anti-competitive practices against realty firm Ambience and Haryana government with respect to development of a residential project in Gurgaon.
Disposing of three complaints against the two entities, CCI said, "looked at from any angle," there is no violation of competition norms.
The complaints had alleged that the 'Apartment Buyer Agreement' by Ambience Private Ltd with respect to development of a residential housing project 'Caitriona' was full of terms and conditions "prejudicial to the interest of the customers" and gave the realty firm undue advantage, among others.
It was also alleged that Ambience was in "hand in gloves" with state of Haryana who have issued 'occupation certificate' to the company "in haste" and that the firm has been in clear violation of catering to the requirement of certain norms related to building EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) flats.

In an common order dated March 4, The Competition Commission of India (CCI) noted that Ambience "does not appear to be in a dominant position because of presence of many big real estate developers in Gurgaon".
"Since the opposite party No 1 (Ambience) does not appear to be in a dominant position in the relevant market, the question of abuse of dominant position as alleged by the informants does not arise," the watchdog said.
"Looked at from any angle, the Commission is of opinion that no case of contravention of the provisions of...The (Competition) Act is made out against the opposite parties (Ambience and State of Haryana)" CCI said.

The complainants -- Moran Plantation, Mili Marketing and Parasramka Holdings -- had approached CCI seeking an inquiry against Ambience and to pass an order directing the Haryana government to cancel the 'Occupation Certificate' to the firm as issued by it without completion and construction of EWS flats.