CCI rejects Tourism Ministry's complaint against ad agency

Competition Commission has rejected Tourism Ministry's allegations of unfair business practices against Span Communications with respect to 'Incredible India' campaign.
"... In light of the general nature of the allegations, there is not sufficient material on record to establish contravention of the provisions of the (Competition) Act," Competition Commission of India (CCI) has said in an order.
The complaint mainly pertains to tender issued in late 2012 for the global TV campaign 2012-13 and the work order for the same placed upon Span Communications, which emerged as the lowest bidder.
After a careful perusal of the reference and the material available on record, the Commission said it is of opinion that the Ministry "has failed to adduce any material which can be suggestive of any collusive or abusive action where from even a prima facie satisfaction of contravention of any of the provisions of the Act may be recorded".

In its order, dated October 29 but made public today, the regulator said the Tourism Ministry has made diverse allegations against Span Communications.
"... Grievance is made of the fact that the opposite party (Span Communications), by rigging the bidding process for international campaigns of the Ministry, has emerged as L-1 bidder through 2009-10 to 2012-13," it noted.
In particular, it is the case of the Ministry that Span Communications by manipulating the bids emerged successful in 10 out of 14 campaigns launched since 2009-10, according to the order.
The main objective of 'Incredible India' campaign is to promote the country as a preferred tourist destination.