DLF files fresh undertaking in SC, to submit fine in tranches

Real estate firm DLF on Wednesday filed a fresh undertaking in the Supreme Court saying it be allowed to deposit balance Rs 480 crore of total Rs 630 crore fine imposed on it by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in six monthly installments starting from January 15.

A bench headed by Justice S J Mukhopadhaya allowed the contention of the firm and said that it would commence final hearing on DLF 's plea against CCI's order from February 11.

The bench also directed DLF to amend the flat buyers' agreements. "We will first hear the question of jurisdiction. Whether Competition Commission had the jurisdiction or a consumer forum," the bench, also comprising Justice N V Ramana, said.

CCI had slapped a fine of Rs 630 crore on the real estate firm for allegedly resorting to unfair business practices. DLF had earlier deposited Rs 150 crore of the Rs 630 crore fine with the apex court registry.

The court had in its August 27 last year order said the Registry will be at liberty to invest it in any of the nationalised banks. DLF had moved the apex court expressing difficulty in meeting the November 26 last year deadline to deposit entire Rs 630 crore as a pre-condition to entertain its appeal.

It had sought six months' to comply with the direction but the bench had asked it to deposit Rs 50 crore within three weeks and the rest Rs 580 crore in the next three months, that was before November 27.