Competition Commission currently probing about 30 cases

The fair trade watchdog refers cases where it has prima facie evidence of violation, to its investigation arm -- Director General

Competition Commission of India is currently investigating about 30 cases, spread across sectors such as agriculture, media and pharma, for alleged unfair trade practices.

The fair trade watchdog, which has the mandate to ensure healthy competition at the market place, refers cases where it has prima facie evidence of violation, to its investigation arm -- Director General (DG).

Sources said the DG is presently investigating about 30 cases related to segments including agriculture, pharma, steel, media and transport.

Among them is the complaint by Prasar Bharati against TAM Media Research alleging that the latter was abusing its dominant position during the process of popularity evaluation.

Besides, the DG is also probing alleged cartelisation in the pricing of guar gum, which is mainly used in the oil and gas exploration sector.

Another case relates to alleged fixing of hike in freight charges by motor transporters.

Meanwhile, the DG's office is grappling with significant manpower shortage. While the office has a sanctioned strength of about 40, currently there are less than 20 employees.

Among the major cases handled by the DG in recent times include those related to BCCI, DLF, NSE and cartelisation among cement manufacturers.

In recent times, there have been rising instances of entities across sectors indulging in anti-competitive practices at the market place.

CCI Chairman Ashok Chawla in the regulator's latest quarterly newsletter has emphasised that fair competition is beneficial to both corporates as well as the entire economic system in the long run.

"The international experience of country after country shows that economic growth comes through improvements in productivity. Productivity itself flows from incentives arising out of fair play and competition," he has said.