No early hearing on Wal-Mart lobbying issue: SC

"This is not a matter which should be given priority now. We won't pass any orders. You may make an application," a bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir said.

The observations were made by the bench when an advocate mentioned the matter and sought a direction for early hearing.

Advocate M L Sharma, who has also filed a petition against the FDI in retail sector, referred to media reports from Washington about the amount spent by Wal-Mart since 2008 on lobbying in the US to get access to the the highly lucrative Indian market.

As per the lobbying disclosure reports filed by Wal-Mart 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".

The advocate submitted that lobbying was not permissible in India and the court should examine documents placed with the US senate.

The apex court had on November 5 had made it clear that it will not interfere with the policy on FDI in retail saying that if it does not stand in Parliament then it would be at government's peril.

The matter has been listed for hearing on January 22.