MUMBAI, 13 JULY, 2017 (GPN) : Direct selling company QNet and its sub-franchisee Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt. Ltd. were granted further relief today when the Supreme Court issued a written order granting no interference to the stay issued earlier in March.

Bench of Justice Nariman and Justice Kaul heard the matter briefly and observed that the stay granted on the earlier occasion needs no interference. The court thereafter dismissed the application filed by the State of Maharashtra seeking vacation of stay.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court sought information from the State on the status of the appointment of the Monitoring Authority. In response, the state of Maharashtra indicated that they have not taken any steps in this regard.

Earlier on March 27, 2017, the Supreme Court had ordered a stay on all FIRs and proceedings against QNet's business in India. The order is seen as a positive development for the direct selling industry as it comes at a juncture when the government is trying to instill confidence in the industry with the introduction of the model Direct Selling Guidelines.

The SC stay paves the way for legal proceedings and investigations to take a logical turn for the better of all stakeholders.ENDS.