An overview of C&M's latest quarter in Indian competition law, analysing major decisions, enforcement actions, and policy developments impacting businesses.

Chandiok & Mahajan is pleased to share the Competition Law Quarterly Update, covering the key highlights from the latest quarter in Indian competition law:

Legislative Developments:

The Standing Committee on Finance released its report on the CCI’s evolving role in the digital landscape, calling for evidence-based decisions on adoption of ex-ante regulations, reassessment of deal value thresholds to protect MSMEs, and capacity-building measures for the CCO.

Enforcement Trends:

The CCI and the courts continue to play an active role:

  • Supreme Court upheld penalties on office-bearers in Kerala Film Exhibitors;

  • CCI launched investigations into Asian Paints, Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers, and PVR Inox;

  • Allegations against GMR were dismissed;

  • A complaint against Google Ads was dismissed while another was clubbed with an ongoing investigation; and

  • The NCLAT reaffirmed limits of CCI’s jurisdiction over sovereign functions.

Merger Control:

The CCI approved 33 filings, and published its first ‘Phase II’ approval decision in six years (Bharat Forge/ AAM India) with behavioural remedies. It also penalised Carlyle/ Bequest for an incorrect green-channel filing while clearing several transactions unconditionally.