1. Consequent upon the repeal of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 ('the MRTP Act'), the instant case pertaining to alleged cartelization in steel industry was transferred to the Commission from the Office of Director General (Investigation & Registration) of the MRTP Commission ('DG I&R') in view of the provisions contained under section 66(6) of the Competition Act, 2002 ('the Act').

Facts

2. The MRTP Commission took cognizance of the matter on the basis of an article published in the Financial Express on 11.03.2008 wherein it was reported that the steel companies raised the steel prices without any justification, which have a sharp inflationary impact. It was also reported that the prices immediately impact the construction and automobile sector. In the news article, it was further reported that even state-owned firms like Steel Authority of India Limited ('SAIL') and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited ('RINL') have raised the prices.

3. Subsequently, Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) - a body sponsored by Ministry of Commerce, Government of India - vide its complaint dated 18.03.2008 addressed to the DG I&R also apprehended possible cartelization i