The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body established in 2002 under the Competition Act, 2002. It is the primary regulator of competition in India, responsible for preventing anti-competitive practices and regulating monopolies.

Key Functions:

• Anti-Competitive Agreements: Prohibits agreements that restrict or control competition, such as price fixing and market sharing agreements.
• Abuse of Dominance: Prohibits dominant companies from engaging in unfair practices to disadvantage their competitors.
• Cartels: Combats and penalizes cartels formed to fix prices or control markets.
• Mergers and Acquisitions: Regulates mergers and acquisitions to ensure that they do not create monopolies or create substantial market power.
• Consumer Protection: Protects consumers from anti-competitive practices and misappropriation of their data.

Structure:

The CCI is a three-member commission with a chairperson and two members. The members are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Key Initiatives:

• Digital Competition Policy: Launched in 2023, to address the challenges posed by the digital economy to competition.
• E-Commerce Guidelines: Proposed guidelines to regulate the e-commerce sector and ensure a level playing field for all players.
• Open Network Platform: Launched in 2023, to promote open and interoperable platforms and prevent the creation of “walled gardens.”

Challenges:

• Lack of Enforcement: CCI has faced challenges in enforcing its decisions, particularly against large corporations.
• Competition from Other Agencies: CCI faces competition from other regulators, such as the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Public Awareness: There is a need for greater public awareness about the CCI and its work.

Overall, the Competition Commission of India plays a crucial role in maintaining fair competition and protecting consumer rights in the Indian market.