Walmart lobbying report: Retired judge to probe, says Kamal Nath

A retired judge would hold the inquiry into reports that US retail giant Walmart Inc lobbied for foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail in India.

The Opposition has been demanding a transparent inquiry on reports that Walmart had spent Rs 125 crore on lobbying activities in the US, including on issues related to enhanced market access for investment in India.

The government had on Tuesday agreed to an inquiry into the issue .

"I had assured the house on Tuesday. A retired judge would hold a time bound inquiry into the media reports related lobbying by international supermarket chain Walmart in India," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said in the Loka Sabha on Wednesday. "The government has no hesitation."

When some members wanted to know whether the person probing the issue would be a Supreme Court judge or a high court judge, the minister said he was open to suggestions.

"You can give your suggestions," Nath said.

With inputs from IANS