IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

CIVIL APPEAL NO.4209 OF 2008

Adlabs Ltd. ………. Appellant  

Vs.

Rajasthan Patrika P. Ltd.       ………….. Respondent

O R D E R

This  appeal  is  by  a  complainant  before  the  Monopolies  and

Restrictive Trade Practices Commission, aggrieved by   non-grant of interim-

relief. The appellant is a Radio Broadcaster. It wanted its advertisement to be

published in the respondent’s newspaper. The respondent refused to   publish

appellant’s  advertisement.  The  appellant  therefore  approached  the

Commission alleging that respondent’s    refusal amounted to a restrictive

trade  practice  which  resulted  in  loss  to  the  appellant.  The  appellant  also

sought  an  interim  direction  to  the  respondent  under  section  12A  of

Monopolies  and  Restrictive  Trade  Practices  Act,  1969  (‘Act’  for  short)  to

publish its advertisements.

: 2 :

2. The  Commission  considered  the  interim  prayer  and  rejected  the

same by the impugned order dated 25.4.2008. On the facts and circumstances,

it was not inclined to grant the interim order sought.  

3. We find that this is not a fit case for interference with the discretion

exercised  by  the  Commission  in  refusing  interim  direction.  Granting  the

interim relief  sought would virtually amount to allowing the complaint even

before the matter is considered on merits. No irreparable injury or   loss is

made out on account of the refusal.  

4. The  appeal  is  therefore  dismissed.  We  however  request    the

Commission to dispose of the matter expeditiously as it raises an important

issue and decision thereon may have a bearing on similar questions that may

arise in future.   

……………………………………………….J [R. V. Raveendran]

……………………………………………….J [D. K. Jain]

New Delhi; November 17, 2008.