New Delhi witnessed a significant uptick in competition enforcement as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) registered 54 cases related to anti-competitive practices in 2025 alone. This revelation came from Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, during a written response in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The minister highlighted that alongside these cases, the CCI received 149 merger and acquisition (M&A) applications during the year. In the previous year, the commission had issued final orders in 38 anti-competitive matters and cleared 146 merger notices, underscoring a robust regulatory framework.
Malhotra emphasized ongoing reforms in India’s competition law landscape. The government notified several rules and regulations under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, passed on April 11, 2023. A key feature is the penalty calculation based on global turnover of entities or individuals involved in violations, aiming for fair and proportionate deterrence.
Further strengthening the regime, the CCI issued the CCI (Determination of Monetary Penalty) Guidelines, 2024, which outline a comprehensive methodology for penalty assessment. These guidelines ensure transparency and consistency in enforcement actions.
To enhance efficiency, the 2023 Amendment slashed the approval timeline for mergers from 210 days to 150 days. It also introduced settlement and commitment frameworks for quicker resolution of competition cases. The ‘Green Channel’ route provides deemed approval for certain combinations, expediting low-risk mergers and fostering a business-friendly environment.
These reforms collectively aim to balance robust competition enforcement with ease of doing business, positioning India as a competitive global market player. As economic activities intensify, the CCI’s proactive stance signals a commitment to fair play across sectors.