( 1 ) THIS rule is directed against a notice dated 18th of May, 1974, under Regulation 7 of the Restrictive Trade Practices (Enquiry) Regulations, 1970, issued by the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission, calling upon the petitioner and the respondent No. 5 to comply with the provisions of Regulations 14 and 16 of the Restrictive Trade Practices (Enquiry) Regulations, 1970, as the Commission has decided to institute an enquiry into the restrictive trade practices in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 10 (a) (iv) read with Section 37 of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969.

( 2 ) PETITIONER-COMPANY (ITC) was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act in the name of Imperial Tobacco Co. of India Ltd. on the 24th August, 1910. It carried on the business of manufacturing and selling cigarettes for domestic and export markets. Respondent No. 5, Vazir Sultan Tobacco Company Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as " VST ") was incorporated in 1930 in the Nizam's State of Hyderabad under the Hyderabad Companies Act, 1930. On 20th May, 1970, the Imperial Tobacco Co. 's name was changed into India Tobacco Co. Ltd. On 1s