CCI Strengthens Anti-Cartel Measures with Global Ties, New Laws, and Market Surveillance

In addition, 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by India with various global partners include dedicated chapters on competition.

In a comprehensive effort to bolster fair competition and curb anti-competitive practices, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has made substantial strides across multiple dimensions over the last five financial years, concluding on March 13, 2025. The Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs, under the leadership of Union Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman disclosed the Commission's extensive actions and reforms in response to a parliamentary query in the Lok Sabha.

Tackling Cartels with Renewed Vigour

A major thrust of the CCI's enforcement activities has been directed toward cartel detection and prosecution. Over the past five financial years, the Commission has investigated 35 cartel cases spanning diverse sectors, signalling a robust approach toward dismantling collusive behaviour in the market. These cases reflect CCI’s sharpened focus on identifying and prosecuting agreements that limit competition and harm consumers.

To further empower its detection mechanisms, CCI has significantly upgraded its regulatory framework through the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, introducing transformative tools such as the "Lesser Penalty Plus" (LPP) mechanism. Operationalized through the CCI (Lesser Penalty) Regulations, 2024, notified on February 20, 2024, this new mechanism builds upon the earlier leniency provisions by offering incentives to existing leniency applicants to divulge information about other cartels unknown to the Commission. This strategic legal innovation is expected to unearth multiple layers of cartelization, fostering a culture of disclosure and cooperation among involved parties.

Hub-and-Spoke Cartels Under the Radar

Another key reform under the 2023 Amendment Act is the incorporation of the “Hub and Spoke” cartel framework into Section 3(3) of the Competition Act, 2002. The amendment expands the scope of enforcement by presuming that even entities not directly engaged in similar trades, but participating or intending to participate in furthering anti-competitive agreements, can be considered part of the cartel. This closes critical loopholes exploited by sophisticated cartel structures involving indirect coordination through common agents or platforms.

International Cooperation on Competition Law

Recognizing the global nature of competition challenges, the CCI has forged international alliances by signing bilateral and multilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several jurisdictions. These include Egypt, Mauritius, Japan, Brazil, the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), Canada, the European Commission, Australia, and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). These MoUs foster cross-border cooperation, intelligence sharing, and harmonization of enforcement practices, subject to domestic legal frameworks and mutual resource considerations.

In addition, 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by India with various global partners include dedicated chapters on competition. These chapters commit the signatories to take appropriate measures against anti-competitive activities to safeguard trade and investment flows, ensuring market efficiency and fair play.

Market Surveillance and Trend Analysis

To stay ahead of emerging threats, the CCI has instituted a dedicated division for trend analysis and research across economic sectors. This proactive unit enables the Commission to maintain a holistic overview of market dynamics and swiftly detect anomalies that might suggest anti-competitive conduct. Regular market studies and cross-sectoral research are integral to this function, providing a strong analytical foundation for informed enforcement actions.

Advocacy, Outreach, and Capacity Building

Beyond enforcement, the CCI has remained deeply committed to its advocacy and outreach mandate. Over the last five financial years (up to March 19, 2025), the Commission has conducted 1,446 advocacy programmes aimed at promoting awareness about competition laws, compliance obligations, and the benefits of fair market practices. These programs target a wide range of stakeholders including businesses, legal professionals, government officials, academic institutions, and consumer groups.

Through these engagements, CCI continues to nurture a competitive culture in the country and educate market participants on the evolving legal landscape, including new provisions like the LPP and the extended scope of cartel investigations.

Looking Ahead

The CCI’s multi-pronged strategy combining legal reform, international collaboration, trend monitoring, and stakeholder engagement reflects a mature, evolving competition regime. With the enforcement toolkit now fortified by the 2023 amendments and enhanced global partnerships, India’s competition watchdog is better equipped than ever to detect and deter anti-competitive practices, ensuring markets remain vibrant, fair, and efficient.

As global supply chains become more integrated and digital platforms redefine competition paradigms, the CCI's proactive reforms and outreach efforts are timely steps toward a more resilient and transparent economic ecosystem.