New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India registered 54 matters related to anti-competitive practices and antitrust issues during calendar year 2025, while also receiving 149 merger and acquisition (M&A) filings, according to information shared by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
The Commission passed final orders in 38 antitrust cases and disposed of 146 merger notices during the year.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs stated that the Government of India has taken several steps to operationalize competition law reforms following the passage of the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 on April 11, 2023.
The amendments introduced provisions for calculating penalties based on the global turnover of the person or enterprise involved.
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Competition Commission of India: Competition Law Reforms and Implementation
The Competition Commission of India subsequently notified the CCI (Determination of Monetary Penalty) Guidelines, 2024, which provide a detailed methodology for determining monetary penalties.
To improve efficiency, transparency, and timeliness in proceedings before the Commission, the amended law reduced the approval timeline for combinations (M&As) from 210 days to 150 days.
It also introduced a settlement and commitment framework aimed at enabling faster resolution of competition cases.
Additionally, the Green Channel route, incorporated under the Act, facilitates expedited approval of combinations through deemed approval upon filing of notice with the Commission.
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Competition Commission of India: Market Study on AI and Competition
The Competition Commission of India also undertook a Market Study on AI and Competition to understand AI systems, market ecosystems, stakeholders, essential inputs and resources, value chains, market structures, and competition parameters.
The study examined emerging competition issues, AI applications, opportunities, risks, and regulatory frameworks in India and other jurisdictions.
The study identified several competition-related concerns, including:
- Concentration in the AI value chain due to high upfront costs and access to data and talent
- Ecosystem lock-in and switching costs
- Risks of algorithmic collusion through AI-driven pricing algorithms and automated business decisions
- Self-preferencing across the AI technology stack
- AI-enabled price discrimination through consumer data usage
To promote a competitive AI ecosystem in India and protect consumer welfare, the study recommended:
- Self-audit of AI systems for competition compliance by businesses
- Improved transparency and reduced information asymmetry
- Focused advocacy and capacity building by CCI
- Continuation of government policy initiatives
- Inter-regulatory coordination and international cooperation
This information was provided by Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Minister of State in the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
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