Coronavirus scare: CCI to hold pre-filing consultations via video-conferencing

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) will hold pre-filing consultations with parties through video-conferencing as part of efforts to avoid travel amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The fair trade regulator allows pre-filing consultation (PFC) for parties seeking informal guidance on determining filing related requirement, information to be given in the notice to be filed for a proposed combination and green channel.

"In order to avoid travel from Mumbai to Delhi for pre-filing consultations, the CCI has made arrangements for conducting PFCs through video conferencing mode at the Office of Regional Director, Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Mumbai," it said in a release on Thursday.

Earlier, CCI decided to adjourn matters listed for hearing, till March 31.

However, urgent matters have been exempted from adjournment, according to a circular issued by the regulator on Tuesday.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, that has affected more than one lakh people worldwide, many entities have taken various measures, including opting for meetings through video-conferencing.

To curb spreading of the virus, various travel advisories have been issued and many events postponed.

The total number of coronavirus positive cases has increased to 173 in India.