CCI appoints its advisor Rakesh Bhanot as acting DG to helm investigations

CCI names advisor Rakesh Bhanot as acting DG, extends deadline to apply for the post till May 5 while key investigations remain underway

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has appointed Rakesh Bhanot, advisor at the commission, as acting director general (DG), CCI.

 

Bhanot has taken over from erstwhile DG Ansuman Pattanaik, who was appointed additional secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in an order dated March 31, 2026.

 

The antitrust watchdog has extended the last date for applying for the DG post till May 5, 2026, in an office memorandum dated April 17.

 

The DG’s office of CCI is responsible for investigating all contraventions against the Competition Act.

 

The CCI’s investigation wing is dealing with important cases such as the Indigo Airlines matter for abuse of dominant position.

 

 

It had directed the DG’s office to conduct an investigation into the company after its preliminary inquiry found that the airline caused an appreciable adverse effect on competition by restricting its services.

 

The DG office is also looking into the complaints made by digital news publishers against Google for its practices in digital advertising.

 

The CCI is yet to issue an order for investigation against quick commerce companies in connection with a complaint filed by the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation.

 

The amendments made to the Competition Act in 2023 empower the commission to appoint the director general with prior approval from the Centre.

 

Bhanot will hold the position as acting DG till the time a full-time person is selected for the post.

 

Section 16 of the Competition Act, which deals with the appointment of DG, says: “The director general and additional, joint, deputy and assistant director generals shall be appointed from among persons of integrity and outstanding ability and who have experience in investigation, and knowledge of accountancy, management, business, public administration, international trade, law or economics and such other qualifications as may be prescribed.”