JUDGMENT

Kirpal, J.-The challenge in this appeal is to a cease and desist order passed by the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (for short "the Commission") against the appellant herein.

2. It seems that certain complaints by erstwhile stockists of the appellant were received by the Commission. These stockists used to sell detergents, soaps, chemicals, etc., manufactured by the appellant and their grievance had arisen by reason of their agreements having been terminated by the appellant.

3. A preliminary inquiry was conducted by the Director General of Investigation & Registration whereupon a Restrictive Trade Practices Inquiry Notice No.48/1983 dated 28th December, 1983 was issued to the appellant. This notice was issued by the Commission acting suo motu and in exercise of the powers conferred on it under Section 10(a)(iv) and Section 37 of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 read with Regulation 58 of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission Regulations, 1974. The relevant part of the said notice is as follows :

"WHEREAS the Respondent above mentioned (M/s. Hindustan Lever Limited) is the manufacturer