IndiGo and SpiceJet have won an appeal against the penalties totalling Rs 106 crore imposed last year by the national fair trade watchdog over their alleged business malpractices.
The Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) on Tuesday stayed the penalties ordered by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against the two airlines for alleged cartelisation in fixing fuel surcharge on air cargo.
The tribunal’s decision follows appeals filed by the two airlines against the CCI order passed in November 2015.
Penalties of Rs 63.74 crore and Rs 42.48 crore were imposed on IndiGo owner InterGlobe Aviation and SpiceJet, respectively.
Staying the CCI order, the tribunal said it would hear the matter next in March.
Besides InterGlobe and SpiceJet, the CCI had also penalised Jet Airways for concerted action in fixing and revising fuel surcharge for transporting cargo.
The three carriers were directed to cease and desist from indulging in anti-competitive practices.
The CCI’s order followed a complaint filed by the Express Industry Council of India, which had alleged that the five airlines indulged in anti-competitive practices.
BW Reporters
Haider Ali Khan is an alumnus of IIMC. He holds a degree in English Journalism from the prestigious campus. His passion includes Aviation, Technology, Politics and Sports.
