Major Setback for Honda Atlas Cars in Competition Case

The Lahore High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan, upholding the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s authority to continue its inquiry into the auto sector.

The court rejected Honda’s intra-court appeal against an earlier decision that had already dismissed its challenge to the CCP’s investigation.

A two member bench ruled that the appeal was not maintainable, stating that the law already provides a clear mechanism for appeals within the competition framework. The court said that under the Competition Act 2010, companies must first use the dedicated appellate system instead of approaching the High Court at this stage.

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It added that inquiries by the CCP cannot be stopped midway through constitutional petitions or internal appeals when no final decision has been made. The case relates to a CCP inquiry launched in November 2018 into alleged anti competitive practices in the automobile sector.

These include on money charges, delayed vehicle deliveries, and price increases after booking. The CCP had issued multiple notices to Honda seeking detailed information, but officials said the required data was not fully provided despite extensions.

The earlier ruling had also confirmed that the CCP has full legal authority to collect information and investigate market behavior under the law.