Bombay High Court revives the jurisdictional tussle between CCI and TRAI/TDSAT –again stays CCI order directing investigation against STAR TV for alleged abuse of dominance

Who should first decide a dispute relating to unfair terms of business between Multisystem Operator (MSO) and a TV Channel regarding discriminatory discounts by the later? Should it be the Sector regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) or the Fair Market Watchdog, the Competition Commission of India (CCI)? Should CCI be constrained from…

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CCI acknowledges manufacturer’s right to select distributors -dismisses the allegations of refusal to deal by online distribution platform against Britannia

To ensure freedom of trade by all market participants is one of the statutory mandates of the Competition Act, 2002 (the Act) in India and this includes the right of a manufacturer to choose, not only its distributors but also the mode of distribution of its products . This fundamental premise has been reiterated in…

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CCI directs Investigation against BookMyShow for allegedly abusing its dominant position through exclusive contracts with Cinemas

Here is another blow for the e-commerce giants operating in Indian markets. The fair market watchdog, the Competition Commission of India (“CCI/Commission”), has decided to inquire into the unfair market conditions allegedly prevailing in the market for online booking of movie tickets in India. After directing investigation against MakeMyTrip and OYO , the CCI has…

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CCI busts cartel of seven suppliers of polyacetal protective tubes for axle to Indian Railways through leniency route

Competition Commission of India (“CCI/Commission”) vide its order dated 09.06.2022, in a Suo Moto case found 7 companies i.e. Polyset Plastics Private Ltd. (OP-1), M/s Anju Techno Industries (OP-2) M/s Power Mould (OP-3), Jai Polypan Private Ltd. (OP-4), M/s Rama Engineering Works (OP-5), M/s Polymer Products of India (OP-6), and M/s Hari Narayan Bihani (OP-7)…

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Can CCI enforce its directions against a rogue trade union? Dumper Truck Union in Rajasthan challenges the powers of CCI by openly destroying level playing field among transporters in Rajasthan

A recent order passed by the fair market regulator, the Competition Commission of India (“Commission/CCI”) in the context of peculiar facts of the case has put me to thinking on the absence of an effective mechanism for enforcement of the ‘cease-and-desist” orders against a rogue trade union which refuses to respond to its notices!! By…

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CARTEL OF MARITIME MOTOR VEHICLES TRANSPORT SHIPPING LINES BUSTED IN INDIA

CCI vide its order dated 20.01.2022 found Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (‘NYK Line’/‘OP-1’), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (‘KLine’/‘OP-2’), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (‘MOL’/‘OP-3’) and Nissan Motor Car Carrier Company (‘NMCC’/‘OP-4’), guilty of cartelization in the provision of maritime motor vehicle transport services to automobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (‘OEMs’) for various  overseas trade routes. In the…

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CCI directs National Egg Co-ordination Committee to stop dictating egg prices

CCI vide its order dated 14.01.2022 found National Egg Co-ordination Committee (NECC)  guilty of violating the provisions of Section 3(3)(a) read with Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002 (“Act”) by its conduct of enforcing/seeking to enforce its declared prices of eggs. Background Two different cases were filed against National Egg Co-ordination Committee: T.R. Chandran…

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Will India follow Australia in forcing Google to pay fairly for news content?? CCI orders investigation against Google for unfair and arbitrary payment terms for news content

Google invites yet another Antitrust investigation by the Indian Fair Market watchdog, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for its market behaviour in online general web search and advertising services. This most recent order against Google in India is clearly a consequential effect of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) June 2019 Digital Platform…

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Apple faces Antitrust investigation in India for alleged abuse of dominance

So finally, Apple Inc. one of the largest Silicon Valley giants, has also come under lens of India’s evolving Antitrust regime. CCI vide its order dated 31.12.2021 had directed investigation against Apple Inc. upon finding a prima facie case of abuse of dominance against Apple Inc. and Apple Distribution International Limited (ADIL) for alleged imposition…

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