Karnataka High Court quashes Amazon, Walmart’s Flipkart bid to stall antitrust probe

The Karnataka high court on Friday dismissed appeals by Amazon.com Inc and Walmart’s Flipkart that sought to stall an antitrust investigation into their business practices, dealing a major setback to the US firms in a key market.

(CCI) last year ordered an inquiry after allegations from brick-and-mortar retailers that the US firms promoted select sellers on their e-commerce platforms and used to business practices that stifle competition.

The investigation was on hold for more than a year after companies challenged it, denying wrongdoing and arguing that the CCI lacked evidence, but a court allowed it to continue in June. On Friday, the high court rejected the US firms’ appeals.