Statutory and quasi-judicial body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Established in March 2009 under the Competition Act, 2002.
Headquarters in New Delhi.
Aims to prevent anti-competitive practices, protect consumer interests, promote market competition, and ensure freedom of trade.
Established in response to the economic liberalizationof 1991, with a mandate to enforce competition laws, foster a competitive market, and prevent anti-competitive practices.
Replacing the outdated MRTP Act of 1969, the CCI aligns India’s competition laws with global standards, following recommendations from the Raghavan Committee.
It comprises a Chairperson and six members appointed by the Central Government, ensuring diverse expertise essential for regulating market competition.
The Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023was introduced to strengthen the Competition Act, 2002 addressing the evolving dynamics of modern markets, particularly in the digital economy.
Objectives of the CCI
Eliminating Anti-Competitive Practices: Tackles cartels, monopolies, price-fixing, etc.
Promoting Competition: Ensures efficient and fair market functioning.
Consumer Protection: Guarantees access to diverse goods/services at competitive prices.
Freedom of Trade: Provides a level playing field across Indian markets.
Creating a Competitive Ecosystem:
Engages with consumers, industries, governments, and global bodies.
Builds a professionally competent, knowledge-driven organization.
Enforces the Competition Act with transparency and integrity.
Powers of the CCI
Regulating Anti-Competitive Practices:
Investigates price-fixing, abuse of dominant position, etc.
Can impose penalties and issue cease-and-desist orders.
Merger & Acquisition Review:
Approves or blocks combinations that may harm competition.
Modifies deals to prevent market concentration.
Investigative Authority:
Acts on complaints, government references, or suo moto.
Investigation executed through the Director General (DG).
Imposing Penalties:
Penalties up to 10% of average turnover or 3× profit from violations.
Competition Advocacy:
Promotes awareness, training, and policy dialogue with stakeholders.
Fosters inclusive development via fair competition.
Implementing Competition Policy:
Optimizes resource use by curbing anti-competitive behavior.
Collaboration with Sectoral Regulators:
Ensures cohesive regulatory governance.
Public Awareness & Education:
Organizes campaigns and training for businesses, consumers, policymakers.
CCI’s New Rules on Predatory Pricing
Aim: To curb predatory pricing and ensure fair competition in markets.
New Definitions Notified: Competition Commission of India (CCI) has introduced new cost definitions to assess predatory pricing under the Competition Act, 2002.
Predatory Pricing: Defined as selling below cost to eliminate competitors and reduce competition.
