Supreme Court suggests Future-Amazon to resolve the on-going row

Supreme Court suggests Future-Amazon to resolve the on-going row

The counsels for the American e-commerce giant have opted for a dialogue in the case

To amicably settle the Future-Amazon dispute, the lawyers, on behalf of Amazon, have proposed an informal dialogue with the Future Group.

Appearing on behalf of Amazon, senior advocate Gopal Subramanium told the Supreme Court, "Let us have a conversation. We cannot allow spinners wheel to continue with four different proceedings. Please consider. We must at least discuss and see what is the best possibility. Let us put our heads together and find a solution."

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ramana, Justice AS Bopanna and Justice Hima Kohli responded, "We are always supportive of solving things amicably."

Subramanium added, "Throughout we have believed there could be a conversation, there could be other resolutions to a matter. Do we need to have a spinners wheel in an arbitration? I am concerned, if any investor thinks there is no sanctity to arbitrator's award. It can be simply wished away, or can take the law into his own hands."

Appearing on behalf of Future Retail, senior advocate Harish Salve submitted that he had no problem with the idea. "Let the business people have a conversation. If he has seen light of the day and wants to have a conversation what prevents the Big Boss at Amazon from calling up the promoters of the Future Group, the Biyanis'. We are not stopping them. As lawyers, we will encourage them," he remarked.

On being asked to co-operate by the bench, Salve said, "Let me assure you, nobody is winning this battle. The Amazon God has to come down to talk to us lesser mortals."

The bench, however, asked Salve to not make such remarks. Justice Bopanna told him, "Instead of saying they should pick up the phone and call, why do you not facilitate that to happen. While he (Subramanium) has not said mediation, but we understand they (Amazon) are ready for mediation. So you decide. All options are fine. If you want to talk to your client, please do."

At this, Salve said, "I shall try and make sure a meeting can be arranged. Whatever your Lordships have said, will be communicated."

Appearing for Future Coupons, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the problem was that their scheme had been injuncted. It was stuck and Amazon was not willing to give any amount even close to what Reliance was giving. He added that a discussion could not happen in the absence of a level playing field.

The chief justice, however, told the counsels, "Ultimately it is for you to take a call. We are simply adjourning the matter for 10 days and will not pass any orders. Meanwhile, you work things out."

The bench was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SPL) filed by Amazon against the Delhi High Court order, staying further arbitration proceedings before the Singapore Tribunal against the Future Group.