Goemkarponn desk
CALANGUTE: In what can be said to be a significant victory for all Goans, who have always firmly believed in themselves and their local enterprises, it gives us immense pride to announce that we, at Lawmen & White (L&W), have successfully represented South Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association, North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association and Centre for Responsible Tourism before the Hon’ble Competition Commission of India.
The Hon’ble CCI had taken Suo Motu cognizance alleging abuse of dominant position on the part of our Clients by preventing Ola and Uber from entering and operating in Goa. Thereafter, it directed the DG to investigate the role of South Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association, North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association and Centre for Responsible Tourism, and their office-bearers.
The same can only be said to be an attempt to muzzle the voice of Goans, who were protesting the entry of Ola/Uber in the state, as everybody knew what would be the eventual outcome of the entry of these players and the destructive impact it would have on local taxi operators. It is no secret that the long plying “kaali peeli” taxis of Mumbai can now no longer be seen on the roads because of the entry of Ola and Uber. Suffice it to say that Goa should not have to suffer similarly.
After due investigation, the DG concluded that all of our Clients had indulged in anti-competitive practices and were liable to be penalized for the same.
The Hon’ble CCI, while noting our detailed replies on behalf of all three parties to the Report of the DG, passed a favourable order stating that our Clients had a legitimate right to protest against the entry of Ola and Uber, the same being their Fundamental Right as held by Hon’ble Supreme Court on numerous occasions. It was further observed that the DG had failed to examine the reasons for such strikes and protests, which included an increase in fees for permits, backdoor entry of Ola/Uber and installation of speed-governors in taxis.
Secondly, the Hon’ble CCI was also pleased to observe that there was no evidence to show concerted effort on the part of our Clients to establish that the dominant position had been abused.
Moreover, the Hon’ble CCI also noted that an app called Goa Miles, already exists as per the policy of the Government of Goa, signifying that app-based taxi aggregators have been permitted to operate on the lines of the business model of Ola and Uber.
Lastly, but most importantly, the Hon’ble CCI concluded that despite categorical examination of the senior authorised representatives of both Ola and Uber, it was revealed that while Uber had never applied for any license in the state, Ola exited from Goa way back in 2013. Since, both companies did not share any details concerning the efforts taken by them to enter Goa, the Hon’ble CCI held that it could not be conclusively inferred that the reason behind their non-entry in Goa was due to the pressure and undue threat of our Clients.
Given the above, the Hon’ble CCI was pleased to note that there was no case of contravention of the provisions of the Competition Act by our Clients, and thus, the matter was directed to be closed immediately.
As a firm, we feel delighted for standing up to protect the local interests of the state’s people.
Keep Reading
Add A Comment