Govt examining probe panel report on Walmart lobbying

The government today said it is examining the report of the panel that probed US retail giant Walmart's lobbying activities in the country.

The one-man probe committee headed by former Justice Mukul Mudgal was set up to look into lobbying activities in contravention of any Indian law and any other matter relevant to this issue by Walmart.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Corporate Affairs Minister Sachin Pilot said it has received the report of the panel that looked into "media reports concerning Walmart's lobbying activities in India."

According to the Minister, "Comments of the concerned ministries have been solicited on the same issue for examination."

There was a political uproar following reports about Walmart lobbying with US lawmakers since 2008 for facilitating its entry into the Indian market. The government in December 2012 had assured Parliament the matter would be probed by a retired judge.