Forum of lawyers challenge FDI/SEZ in retail

Mumbai, Dec 9 (UNI) Forum of Lawyers, which is spearheading a nationwide movement against the government policies of allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in retail have decided to file various petitions challenging the FDI and SEZ in respective courts to protect interests of retailers and farmers.

Addressing media persons last evening, Supreme Court lawyer Sonia Raj Sood, who is leading the movement cautioned that in the haste of setting up SEZs, the government had overlooked the need to ensure the welfare of small traders.

She said FDI in retail will affect 98 per cent of retail trade in India and wipeout 15 million retailers adding that Wal-Mart will squeeze the domestic farmer while SEZ will capture of their lands.

Sood said that setting up of a retail shope like Wal-Mart which sells every item under one roof would have adverse effect on Indian retailers.

Senior Bombay High Court advocate Vijay Tulpule pointed out that the FDI in retail would affect the Indian manufacturer who would not be able to compete with his foreign counterpart. He also plans to file petitions in the Bombay High Court next month through which he plans to suggest how to modulate the FDI and SEZ under the Indian circumstances.

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