Page 5 - Cci

AI may enable collusion; regulators need a forward-looking approach: CCI

Artificial intelligence is a driving force in modern markets that also has the potential to enable collusion, including algorithmic discrimination under the garb of dynamic pricing, CCI chief Ravneet Kaur said on Sunday. She also emphasised the need to adopt a forward-looking approach as well as trust-based regulations. Delivering the special address at the 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in the national capital, Kaur said Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a driving force in modern markets. AI shapes pricing strategies, decision-making, and operational efficiencies across industries but also presents risks, she noted. According to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) Chairperson, AI can enable new forms of collusion such as "cartels without human communication, price coordination without explicit agreements, and algorithmic discrimination under the garb of dynamic pricing". The fair trade regulator is already conducting a study on AI and competition. W

AI may enable collusion, need to adopt forward-looking approach: CCI chief

Artificial intelligence is a driving force in modern markets that also has the potential to enable collusion, including algorithmic discrimination under the garb of dynamic pricing, CCI chief Ravneet Kaur said on Sunday. She also emphasised the need to adopt a forward-looking approach as well as trust-based regulations. Delivering the special address at the 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in the national capital, Kaur said Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a driving force in modern markets. AI shapes pricing strategies, decision-making, and operational efficiencies across industries but also presents risks, she noted. According to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) Chairperson, AI can enable new forms of collusion such as "cartels without human communication, price coordination without explicit agreements, and algorithmic discrimination under the garb of dynamic pricing". The fair trade regulator is already conducting a study on AI and competition. S

Farmers vs RCF: CCI complaint alleges unfair fertiliser trade practices

Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd has been accused of using coercive tactics such as 'product tying' or 'tagging' to force farmers to purchase higher-than-necessary quantities of fertilisers

Religare Enterprises withdraws NCLAT petition against CCI order

Religare Enterprises has withdrawn its appeal at the NCLAT against a competition watchdog CCI order that allowed four Burman group entities to acquire a 5.27 per cent stake in the financial services firm. The move comes after the Burman Family, through its investment firms, gained a controlling stake in Religare Enterprises Limited (REL) after acquiring 25.16 per cent of equity shares through an open offer. The total holding of Burman family, which also owns FMCG firm Dabur and Eveready, now exceeds 50 per cent, consolidating their position as the largest shareholders in the company. During the proceedings, the "authorised signatory for Appellant (Religare) is present and submits that he is under the authorisation to say the Appellant is not interested in pursuing the matter and intends to withdraw this appeal", the NCLAT order said. "In view of this, the appeal stands dismissed as withdrawn. All the pending applications are also disposed of," a two-member bench ordered last week.

CCI's draft conduct rules place restrictions on employee investments

The antitrust watchdog has said that the draft rules are meant to strengthen the regulatory framework governing vigilance administration in the Commission

FMCG distributors file petition with CCI against Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart

Quick commerce companies are indulging in practices of deep discounts and exclusive supply/distribution agreements, thereby engaging in unfair pricing and affecting the competition, the petition said

CCI rejects allegations against Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, RailTel

Competition Commission has rejected a complaint of alleged unfair business practices filed against Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and RailTel Corporation in relation to the Prime Minister Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. It was alleged that the two entities indulged in anti-competitive practices regarding a project for integrated infrastructure and IT solutions under the scheme. In an eight-page order, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said there is no prima facie case of contravention of either Section 3 or Section 4 of the Competition Act and dismissed the complaint against the two entities. Section 3 and 4 pertain to anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position, respectively. The Samithi runs Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas while RailTel is a state-owned telecom infrastructure provider. "The Commission in its various orders have opined that the procurer, which can also be considered a consumer of a tendering process, is at liberty to set its terms and ...

CCI's draft regulations on cost in predatory pricing by dominant firms

CCI has so far acted as a fair and mature regulator, fulfilling its role under the Preamble of the Act

Paloma Rheem Holdings gets CCI nod to acquire Fujitsu General for $1.6 bn

Fair trade regulator CCI has approved Paloma Rheem Holdings' proposal to acquire Japanese air-conditioner maker Fujitsu General for USD 1.6 billion. Fujitsu General specialises in air conditioning solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial segments and related IT systems and devices. The company, which operates in India through its subsidiary Fujitsu General (India), also sells air conditioning units under the O General brand. "The proposed transaction relates to Paloma Rheem's acquisition of the entire shareholding of Fujitsu," a notice submitted to the CCI said on Monday. The transaction will enable Paloma Rheem to realise long-term growth and development opportunities, it added. After the approval, Fujitsu General will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paloma Rheem Holdings. Japan-headquartered Paloma Rheem Holdings Co is one of the world's leading air conditioning and water heating companies. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said the deal has been cleare

Premji Invest, Ranjan Pai family office seek nod for stakes in Akasa Air

Tech tycoon Azim Premji's global investment arm, Manipal Group Chief Ranjan Pai's family office and 360 ONE Asset have sought approval from fair trade regulator CCI to acquire stakes in domestic carrier Akasa Air's parent company SNV Aviation. "The proposed transaction involves the acquisition of certain shareholding by each of PIOF, Claypond and 360 Fund (through its various schemes and affiliates) in Akasa Air," said a notice filed with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Wednesday. PIOF is a Sebi-registered alternative investment fund owned and controlled by Premji Invest, while Claypond is an arm of the Pai family group. The 360 fund is a Sebi-registered AIF. The fund is managed by leading asset management firm 360 ONE Asset. SNV Aviation Pvt Ltd, which operates Akasa Air, is engaged in domestic, international scheduled air passenger transport services and air cargo transport services. In its submission to the CCI for the assessment of the proposed transaction, PIOF,

CCI seeks public comments on draft rules for determining cost of production

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday released the draft rules for determination of cost of production, seeking to update its framework for assessing predatory pricing under the competition norms. This will replace the existing norms set in 2009. Under the rules, Section 4(2)(a)(ii) prohibits predatory pricing as an abusive conduct by a dominant enterprise. Further, the law defines "predatory price" as the sale of goods or provision of services at a price below the cost -- as determined by regulations -- with the intent to reduce competition or eliminate competitors. The draft CCI (Determination of Cost of Production) regulations, 2025, were issued under section 64(2)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002, which empowers the regulator to prescribe cost benchmarks for assessing anti-competitive practices. In a consultation paper floated by CCI, it said the cost will generally be taken as the average variable cost, serving as a proxy for marginal cost in predatory pricing ..

Resolution plans with mergers need CCI clearance before CoC approval: SC

SC rules 2:1 that CCI approval for insolvency resolution plans involving mergers must be obtained before CoC approval, setting aside AGI Greenpac's plan for HNGIL's acquisition

Adani Infra to acquire key stake in PSP Projects, CCI approval pending

Adani Infra seeks CCI clearance to acquire a significant stake in PSP Projects in a Rs 685.36 crore deal, aiming to enhance construction sector synergies

Some relief for WhatsApp as NCLAT grants partial stay on CCI order

NCLAT further stayed the penalty of Rs 213.14 crore, subject to WhatsApp/Meta depositing 50 per cent of the amount

NRAI to move CCI in 10 days, push small restaurants to join ONDC platform

Speaking to Business Standard, NRAI president Sagar Daryani said the association is engaging with its legal team daily and is prepared to explore further legal options if necessary

CCI reviewing feedback on amendments to penalty recovery regulations

"The proposed amendments aim to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the recovery of monetary penalties, enhancing procedural clarity and efficiency," said CCI chairperson Ravneet Kaur

French firm Roquette seeks CCI's clearance for IFF Pharma's biz acquisition

French plant-based ingredient producer Roquette Frres has sought fair trade regulator CCI's approval for the proposed acquisition of the pharma solutions business and certain product lines of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc (IFF). Roquette Frres S.A. is a family-owned French firm active in the production and sale of plant-based ingredients, excipients, and plant proteins for various applications. It has operations in India through several subsidiaries, like Crest Cellulose, Sethness-Roquette India and Roquette India. "The proposed transaction refers to the proposed acquisition by Roquette of the pharma solutions business and certain product lines of the Nourish business (ie, collectively the target business) of IFF by way of Roquette's purchase of equity interest in certain IFF entities that collectively house / are proposed to house the target business," said a notice filed with the CCI on January 16. The target business primarily comprises the operations, and activities ..

CCI reviews feedback on proposed changes to penalty recovery norms

Competition Commission of India (CCI) is reviewing the feedback received on the proposed amendments of norms related to the manner of recovery of monetary penalty. In November 2024, the watchdog had put out for public consultations the draft amendments to the regulations pertaining to the manner of recovery of monetary penalty. CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur has said the proposed amendments aim to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the recovery of monetary penalties, enhancing procedural clarity and efficiency. "We are currently reviewing the feedback provided by the stakeholders whereafter the proposed amendments would be gazetted," she said in a message in the regulator's latest quarterly newsletter. According to the chairperson, the regulator has identified areas where these regulations can be improved to better align with contemporary requirements and streamline the recovery process. The proposed changes are aimed at providing greater legal certainty to enterprises an

NCLAT admits Meta, WhatsApp's plea against CCI's Rs 213 cr penalty

After hearing the preliminary submissions from Meta and the CCI on the issue, a two-member bench of the NCLAT, led by Chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan, said the issue requires consideration

CCI fines Goldman Sachs manager Rs 40 lakh over Biocon deal failure

The Competition Commission has imposed a penalty of Rs 40 lakh on the investment manager of Goldman Sachs AIF for failing to notify the regulator about the more than four-year-old deal that gives the option to buy up to 3.81 per cent stake in Biocon Biologics. The penalty was levied on Goldman Sachs (India) Alternative Investment Management Pvt Ltd (GS AIMPL), the investment manager of Goldman Sachs AIF, for a contravention of Section 6(2) of the Competition Act, which mandates prior approval for certain combinations. Under the deal, Goldman Sachs AIF Scheme-1 (GS AIF) had acquired optionally convertible debentures (OCDs) issued by Biocon Biologics. The regulator has penalised GS AIMPL for failing to notify the transaction to it and rejected the argument that the deal was done in the ordinary course of business. "Any transaction which is made with the intent of remaining invested for a relatively longer period and involves the acquisition of any additional rights (compared to the .