Page 6 - Cci

NCLAT reduces penalty on Google to Rs 216 crore in Play Store case

Appellate tribunal NCLAT on Friday upheld the order passed by fair trade regulator CCI against Google for abusing its dominant position with respect to Play Store policies, however, reduced the penalty on the tech giant to Rs 216 crore from Rs 936.44 crore. A two-member bench comprising Chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan and Technical Member Barun Mitra said Google "has abused its dominant position and has violated Section", however in some sections, violation was "not proved, but penalty was still leviable on proof of violation". "The penalty imposed on the Google is modified as per computation contained in paragraph 105 of this order. Thus, the penalty imposed on the Google for relevant turnover of last three preceding year of Rs 936.44 crores, is modified to the amount of Rs 216.69 crore (USD 2,98,89,312.39)," said the NCLAT order. As Google has already "deposited 10 per cent of the penalty in the present Appeal, rest of the amount of penalty shall be deposited by the Appellant ..

35 cartel cases under CCI radar in the last five years: FM Sitharaman

The CCI is currently investigating allegations of cartelisation in the advertising industry and has raided several firms in the past week to gather evidence

CCI likely to widen the ambit of probe into ad-media firms' cartel issue

Sources said that CCI's team - after going through all the evidence accumulated so far - is expected to widen its investigation

India's ad industry raids followed tip-offs under leniency scheme

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Competition Commission of India raided the local offices of WPP-owned GroupM, Interpublic, Publicis and Dentsu, as well as high-profile Indian broadcasters' body IBDF

Leniency option helps CCI crack down on ad agency cartel, gather evidence

The 'leniency programme' encourages whistleblowers in cartels to provide information on outfits and lessens their penalties in extenuating circumstances

CCI rejects allegations of anti-competitive practices against GMR Airports

Fair trade regulator CCI has dismissed allegations of anti-competitive practices against GMR Airports and Delhi Airport with respect to the awarding of certain contracts. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital is operated by the GMR Group-led consortium Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL). It was alleged by an NGO that GMR Airports was engaged in monopolistic practices and charging excessive fees for contracts related to parking and lounge services at the IGIA. After reviewing submissions from the involved parties, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said the contracts for parking and lounge services were awarded through a competitive bidding process, as mandated under the Operation, Management, and Development Agreement (OMDA). The complaint was also against the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Ministry of Civil Aviation and Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. "... the Commission, in relation to the allegation under Section

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