The Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation has demanded that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) conduct a periodic review of its regulatory framework and increase transparency in penalty calculations. Furthermore, the committee strongly urged the regulator to ensure adequate protection for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups. These recommendations were presented in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
Overview of Regulatory Norms
The proposed measures are part of the committee's 257th report, which analyzed four key competition regulations and guidelines adopted in 2024. These include CCI rules regarding dispute resolution, obligations, turnover determination, and guidelines on monetary penalties.
Market and Penalty Requirements
The committee emphasized that antitrust legislation must keep pace with rapid changes in digital markets to ensure the Indian market remains competitive, fair, and aligned with global standards. The committee also stipulated that the CCI must provide a detailed methodology for calculating the size of the fine in its orders.
Highlighting the need to protect small businesses, the standing committee chaired by Member of Parliament Murli Deora stated that 'the CCI must provide them with adequate protection, and laws must be applied with much greater vigour so that the least protected do not end up even more disadvantaged by unfair or anti-competitive behaviour.'
Issues of Repeated Violations
During the discussion, the committee expressed concern over the protocol and procedure for dealing with companies that repeatedly and persistently violated established norms, particularly some large technology firms. The panel noted that such repeated violations could be perceived as 'just the cost of doing business,' which seriously undermines the deterrent effect of laws and regulations. Therefore, a call was made for strict enforcement of penalty guidelines, especially in cases of repeat offenses.
CCI Stance and Cooperation
The committee sought clarification regarding the basis for calculating the settlement amount in the Android Smart TV case, where the final sum was 20.24 crore rupees. In response, the Commission stated that it is now exercising restraint in sectors where industry regulators exist. Nevertheless, the committee recommended that the CCI explore institutional mechanisms for cooperation with industry regulators, including entering into Memorandums of Understanding where appropriate. The committee noted that such joint agreements can promote information sharing, policy consistency, and regulatory coordination on matters of common interest.
Antitrust oversight also reported that it avoided taking cases on its own initiative, unlike in the early years when public awareness of competition law was lower. The report indicated that 'the Commission felt some conflict in setting up a case against a party and simultaneously deciding on it.'
Current Cases and Statistics
CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur informed the panel about her position on certain ongoing issues. In the case of alleged abuse of dominant position in the aviation sector, the CCI does not conduct a joint investigation with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Kaur reported that the matter concerning a complaint about alleged abuse of dominant position by IndiGo Airlines during flight disruptions in December 2025 has been forwarded to the DG for investigation. She added that further progress on the case will depend on the degree of cooperation between the parties and will be expedited.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs informed the panel that there is currently only one obligation case related to online gaming, which has not reached a final conclusion due to the ban on online gaming. The committee noted that CCI has collected more than 98 percent of the total realizable amount. As of March 31, 2026, the total amount of fines imposed by the CCI amounted to 20,378.65 crore rupees, of which 18,299.78 crore rupees were suspended or overturned by appellate courts. The total realizable amount of fines is 2,078.87 crore rupees, of which 2,039.36 crore rupees have been recovered. CCI informed the panel that out of 1,375 antitrust cases received to date, 1,237 have been settled.
