Lahore High Court Upholds Competition Authority’s Jurisdiction
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has dismissed an intra court appeal filed by Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd., reinforcing the statutory appellate framework under the Competition Act, 2010 and affirming the ’s (CCP) authority to conduct enquiries.
Honda had challenged a judgment passed on October 20, 2025, where its writ petition challenging the CCP’s enquiry proceedings was dismissed. The Court held that the CCP is fully empowered under Sections 36 and 37 of the Competition Act, 2010 to collect information, examine market conduct, and enquire into potential anti-competitive behaviour.
The LHC bench comprising Justice Ch. Muhammad Iqbal and Justice Syed Ahsan Raza Kazmi stated that the intra court appeal was not maintainable as the law provides a specific mechanism of appeal within the competition law regime. The Court emphasized that where a statutory right of appeal exists, the intra court appeal within the High Court is not maintainable under the Law Reforms Ordinance, 1972.
Under the Competition Act, any person aggrieved by an order passed by a Member or an authorized officer of the CCP may file an appeal before the Appellate Bench of the Commission within thirty days. Any person aggrieved by an order of two or more members of the Commission or its Appellate Bench may prefer an appeal before the Competition Appellate Tribunal within sixty days.
The judgment underscores the appellate structure under the Competition Act and strengthens the CCP’s mandate to conduct enquiries and enforce competition law, promoting transparency and fair competition in the market.