19.5.13

Walmart lobbying case closed


An investigation into whether Walmart may have bribed Indian officials to gain wider access to the country's vast market has been ‘closed’ due to lack of evidence.
The one-man committee of retired justice Mukul Mudgal probing the matter is likely to submit a report to the government next week saying there was no ‘adequate’ evidence to suggest Walmart was involved in any unlawful activity in India.
In a routine disclosure report to the US Senate last year, Walmart had said it spent $25 million over four years on issues related to "enhanced market access for investment in India".
The report created a ruckus in India within the Opposition which was staunchly against the chain's entry, saying it will hurt local "mom and pop" stores, demanding an inquiry into whether Walmart made any illegal payments as part of its lobbying.
Mudgal was named by the government in January to investigate if the chain broke any laws, and he questioned top store executives including its Asia chief executive Scott Price as part of his inquiry.

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