The depressing progress of the scrutiny by the US Senate of possible violations of trust laws by Microsoft Corporation holds out a warning that regulators world wide should heed. What is particularly worrying is that the Corporation's dominance is so overwhelming that not many companies affected by the big brother's aggressive ways are willing to come out openly. This is an impediment to effective control of corporates not only in the United States but also elsewhere. In India inquiries under the MRTP Act pertaining to curbs on monopolies were rare and in the early Seventies the MRTP Commission could only start investigations against one company.

Obviously, surveillance over corporate practices that are seen to be against public interest is extremely daunting. The US Senate cannot pin down Microsoft for dictating terms to others in the fray without unassailable evidence.

And that evidence will not come if those affected feel that they would be worse off if they testified against the market leader. Where does one go from here? Laws against monopolies and pursuit of restrictive practices would be enforced better only if the concerned agencies are able to force the suspected violators on the defensive. In India, who can forget the MRTP Commission's long but unsuccessful battle against the tyre cartel? A key aspect of free global trade is effective curbing of monopoly and restrictive industrial practices, but such efficacy depends critically on everyone concerned joining forces against undue dominance. If fear stalks the lesser players, exploitation of the weak will remain.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.