News for 'CCI'

Air India-Vistara merger deal under CCI scanner

Air India-Vistara merger deal under CCI scanner

Rediff.com27 Jun 2023

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a show cause notice to the parties with respect to the proposed merger of Tata Group airlines Vistara and Air India, according to a source. The fair trade watchdog issues notice asking why an investigation should not be initiated only after forming a prima-facie opinion that the deal could adversely impact competition in the marketplace. Vistara and Air India are the two full-service carriers that are part of the Tata Group, and Singapore Airlines holds a 49 per cent stake in Vistara.

NCLAT sets aside CCI's 6-year-old penalty on ITC

NCLAT sets aside CCI's 6-year-old penalty on ITC

Rediff.com2 May 2023

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has set aside the penalty imposed on multi-conglomerate ITC by fair trade regulator CCI for not notifying for the acquisition of brands 'Savlon' and 'Shower to Shower' in 2017. ITC had 2017 acquired the antiseptic brand Savlon and the personal care product brand Shower To Shower from Johnson & Johnson Private. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had on December 11, 2017, imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on ITC for alleged failure to give notice under sub-section 2 of Section 6 of the Competition Act.

'Raj Kapoor Could Have Married Nargis'

'Raj Kapoor Could Have Married Nargis'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'Those were not kind days for a woman with a break-up. The world has changed; today, nobody cares.'

Haldiram's Delhi and Nagpur arms complete merger of FMCG biz

Haldiram's Delhi and Nagpur arms complete merger of FMCG biz

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The process of merging Haldiram's Nagpur and Delhi branches to form Haldiram Snacks Food Private Ltd has been completed, informed its CEO Krishan Kumar Chutani on the social media platform LinkedIn. "A new chapter begins in the Haldiram story, and it's a significant one," Chutani posted on LinkedIn on Monday.

Google to be probed for unfair biz in gaming apps' listing on Play Store

Google to be probed for unfair biz in gaming apps' listing on Play Store

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

Fair trade regulator CCI on Thursday ordered a probe against Google and its affiliates for alleged unfair business practices with respect to listing of real money gaming apps on Play Store. While passing the order, CCI said the "the Commission directs the Director General ('DG') to cause an investigation to be made into the matter under the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Act".

Google slams CCI enquiry; says it's 'tainted'

Google slams CCI enquiry; says it's 'tainted'

Rediff.com4 Jan 2023

Google has termed as "tainted" the investigations done against it by CCI, contending that the two informants on whose complaint the fair trade regulator has initiated the enquiry were working at the same office that was investigating the tech major. This was "against the principles of natural justice", Google said in the petition filed before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), adding the Competition Commission of India (CCI) should have refrained from initiating an investigation based on a complaint filed by their own employees. "At the very least, the Commission could have debarred the Informants from working in the DG office while the investigation was ongoing, to ensure that the investigating officer was able to impartially assess the case without any influence, such that no concerns could arise on the independence of the investigation," said Google.

Draft merger rules: Mega global deals likely to come within CCI ambit

Draft merger rules: Mega global deals likely to come within CCI ambit

Rediff.com6 Sep 2023

The Competition Commission of India has introduced draft regulations for combinations or mergers, under the new competition Act, to bring global deals in the digital space, including those involving Big Tech companies, under its scanner. The draft regulations would provide guidance on the valuation of merger transactions and the criteria for assessing sustainable operations in India for companies. The proposed rules mention that if the number of users and subscribers, or the turnover or gross merchandise value in India is over 10 per cent of the global figure, the company would be considered to have substantial business operation in India and would need CCI approval for the merger.

Google's 'castle and moat' strategy is data hegemony: CCI

Google's 'castle and moat' strategy is data hegemony: CCI

Rediff.com16 Mar 2023

Fair trade regulator CCI on Thursday alleged that Google has created a digital data hegemony and called for a market space with "free, fair and open competition". Concluding the arguments of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) before the appellate tribunal NCLAT in the Google matter, Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman said a market with greater freedom for all players would be in total sync with principles of free competition rather than the 'walled garden' approach of the internet major. On October 20 last year, the CCI slapped a penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore on Google for anti-competitive practices in relation to Android mobile devices.

Mumbai Cricket Icon Milind Rege Passes Away

Mumbai Cricket Icon Milind Rege Passes Away

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

A revered figure in India's domestic circuit, Milind Rege played A crucial role in Mumbai's 42nd Ranji Trophy triumph last season after coming on board as Cricket Advisor.

Competition regulator slaps Rs 213 cr penalty on Meta

Competition regulator slaps Rs 213 cr penalty on Meta

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday imposed a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore on social media major Meta for unfair business ways with respect to WhatsApp privacy policy update done in 2021. Besides, the competition watchdog has directed Meta to cease and desist from anti-competitive practices.

Milind Rege, The Last of the Mohicans

Milind Rege, The Last of the Mohicans

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

'He devoted his entire life for the betterment of Mumbai cricket and cricketers.' 'Even when he left for the Elysian Fields, he was in harness as mentor/advisor to the MCA.' Hemant Kenkre mourns the passing of Mumbai cricket icon Milind Rege.

Google approaches tribunal against CCI's order on Android

Google approaches tribunal against CCI's order on Android

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

Google has approached the appellate tribunal NCLAT challenging the CCI's order on unfair business practices in Android mobile device ecosystem, the company spokesperson said on Friday. The Competition Commission in October slapped a steep penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore on internet giant Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in relation to Android mobile devices and ordered the internet major to cease and desist from various unfair business practices. A Google spokesperson told PTI: "We have decided to appeal the CCI's decision on Android as we believe it presents a major setback for our Indian users and businesses who trust Android's security features, and potentially raising the cost of mobile devices."

Google now says will cooperate with CCI on way forward

Google now says will cooperate with CCI on way forward

Rediff.com20 Jan 2023

With the Supreme Court turning down Google's plea for a stay on the CCI order, the tech giant on Friday said it is reviewing the details of the decision which is limited to interim relief and did not decide the merits of the appeal. The company said it remains committed to users and partners and "will cooperate with the CCI on the way forward in parallel with our appeal." In a setback to Google, the Supreme Court on Thursday endorsed the order of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) declining to grant an interim stay on the imposition of Rs 1,337 crore penalty on the US tech major by the competition regulator for allegedly abusing its dominant position in the Android mobile device ecosystem.

Why Mumbai's Luxe Homes Are Losing Their Shine

Why Mumbai's Luxe Homes Are Losing Their Shine

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Mumbai -- home to industry titans and Bollywood stars -- is witnessing a slow offtake of houses priced between Rs 10 crore and Rs 50 crore. Industry insiders and real estate watchers explain why.

Google on Rs 936 cr fine slapped by CCI

Google on Rs 936 cr fine slapped by CCI

Rediff.com26 Oct 2022

Slapped with a second hefty fine for anti-competitive practices, Google India on Wednesday said it remains committed to users and developers and is reviewing the antitrust body's order to evaluate next steps. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday slapped a Rs 936 crore fine on Google for "abusing" its dominant position on its Android mobile app store and ordered it not to prevent app developers from using third-party billing or payment processing services in India. That penalty came just days after a Rs 1,337.76 crore fine was imposed on it for abusing the dominant position of its Android smartphone operating system. Commenting on Tuesday's CCI order, a Google India spokesperson said Indian app developers have benefited from the technology, security, consumer protection, choice and flexibility that Android and Google Play provide.

How CCI's Google orders impact innovation for apps

How CCI's Google orders impact innovation for apps

Rediff.com1 Nov 2022

As Google evaluates its response to two recent penalties slapped by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), here is a look at the app economy. Apps are bread and butter for mobile operating systems. India ranks second in the number of mobile downloads, with nearly 27 billion downloads in 2021, according to Deloitte. Accounting for 11.6 per cent of global app downloads, the Indian smartphone user spends over 4 hours a day on apps.

Tribunal upholds CCI's Rs 1337 cr fine on Google, gives it 30 days to pay

Tribunal upholds CCI's Rs 1337 cr fine on Google, gives it 30 days to pay

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

The NCLAT on Wednesday upheld the orders of the fair trade regulator CCI imposing a penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore on tech major Google in the Android mobile devices case, with some modifications.

Why Disney-Reliance merger faces hurdle

Why Disney-Reliance merger faces hurdle

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

The CCI has asked the companies to explain within 30 days why an investigation should not be ordered.

Delhi HC rejects WhatsApp, Facebook appeals over CCI probe

Delhi HC rejects WhatsApp, Facebook appeals over CCI probe

Rediff.com25 Aug 2022

The Delhi high court dismissed the appeals of WhatsApp and Facebook on Thursday against an order rejecting their challenge to a probe ordered by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) into the instant messaging platform's updated privacy policy of 2021.

RCB to open WPL 2025! Finals set for Mumbai

RCB to open WPL 2025! Finals set for Mumbai

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

The third edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) will be played across four cities - Baroda, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Lucknow - from February 14 to March 15, 2025.

Tribunal directs Google to pay 10% of Rs 1,337.76 cr CCI penalty

Tribunal directs Google to pay 10% of Rs 1,337.76 cr CCI penalty

Rediff.com4 Jan 2023

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on Wednesday directed Google to pay 10 per cent of the Rs 1,337.76-crore penalty imposed on the tech giant by fair trade regulator CCI. A two-member bench, however, declined to grant any immediate stay the operations of Competition Commission of India (CCI) penalty and said it would pass any order after hearing out other parties. The appellate tribunal has issued notices to CCI and directed to list the matter on February 13, for hearing over interim stay.

FMCG distributors flag deep discounts by qcom cos to govt

FMCG distributors flag deep discounts by qcom cos to govt

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distributors' association has written to the finance ministry, highlighting concern over fund utilisation and fund accumulation by quick commerce companies and deep discounting of goods on their platforms. According to a recent letter seen by Business Standard, All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) noted that its analysis indicated that approximately 80 per cent of these funds were directed toward customer acquisition strategies instead of creating cutting-edge innovations or sustainable growth models for the retail sector.

Tribunal refuses interim relief to Google on Rs 936-cr penalty imposed by CCI

Tribunal refuses interim relief to Google on Rs 936-cr penalty imposed by CCI

Rediff.com11 Jan 2023

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on Wednesday declined to grant interim relief to Google seeking a stay on competition watchdog CCI's penalty of Rs 936.44 crore on the tech giant for abusing its dominant position with respect to Play Store policies. The appellate tribunal has directed Google to deposit 10 per cent of the fine before its registry in the next four weeks. A two-member bench comprising Justice Rakesh Kumar and Alok Srivastava issued notices to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and other respondents and posted the matter for hearing on April 17, 2023.

CCI gives conditional nod to Sony-Zee merger deal

CCI gives conditional nod to Sony-Zee merger deal

Rediff.com4 Oct 2022

The Competition Commission of India on Tuesday approved with certain conditions the mega-merger deal between media groups Sony and Zee. In a tweet, the watchdog said it has cleared the deal with certain modifications. The proposed merger was announced in September last year. CCI said it has approved the "amalgamation of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) and Bangla Entertainment Private Limited (BEPL) with Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited (CME), with certain modifications".

Zee, Sony to sell 3 Hindi channels to address CCI concerns

Zee, Sony to sell 3 Hindi channels to address CCI concerns

Rediff.com27 Oct 2022

Sony India and Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) have agreed to sell three Hindi channels--Big Magic, Zee Action and Zee Classic--to address anti-competition concerns arising out of their proposed merger. The broadcasters submitted their proposal to the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which gave a conditional approval on October 4. On Wednesday, the CCI made public its detailed 58-page order, specifying the channels that would be dropped.

What Google Says About CCI Orders

What Google Says About CCI Orders

Rediff.com14 Jan 2023

Google said safety, affordability and expanded use cases for the next wave of users will be the pillars to get the next 700 million users online.

CCI nods Reliance's Rs 2,850 crore buy of Metro's India biz

CCI nods Reliance's Rs 2,850 crore buy of Metro's India biz

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday said it has approved Reliance Retail Venture's acquisition of German firm Metro AG's wholesale operations in India. Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL) is a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) while Metro Cash & Carry India is engaged in the wholesale operations in India. In December last year, it was announced that RRVL had signed definitive agreements to acquire a 100 per cent equity stake in the company for a total cash consideration of Rs 2,850 crore.

Goodbye Paddy!

Goodbye Paddy!

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

It was amazing to see how he used to hoodwink batsmen with subtle changes in flight, loop and deliver his doomsday ball -- the dangerous armer.

GST anti-profiteering complaints to be taken up by CCI from Dec 1

GST anti-profiteering complaints to be taken up by CCI from Dec 1

Rediff.com15 Nov 2022

All GST anti-profiteering complaints would be dealt with by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) from December 1 as the extended tenure of National Anti-profiteering Authority ends this month, an official said on Tuesday. A notification in this regard is expected to be issued by the finance ministry later this month, the official added. The National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) was set up in November 2017 under Section 171A of Goods and Services Tax (GST) law to check unfair profiteering activities by registered suppliers.

PayU Payment's acquisition of BillDesk gets CCI nod

PayU Payment's acquisition of BillDesk gets CCI nod

Rediff.com5 Sep 2022

Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday granted its approval for the acquisition of 100 per cent equity of indiaideas.com (BillDesk) by PayU Payments. The proposed combination relates to the acquisition of 100 per cent of the equity share capital of India Ideas Ltd (IIL) by PayU India. In a tweet on Monday, CCI said it approved, "acquisition of 100% of the equity share capital of IndiaIdeas.com (BillDesk) by PayU Payments."

Reliance, Disney merge to form Rs 70,000-cr JV

Reliance, Disney merge to form Rs 70,000-cr JV

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries has completed the merger of its media assets with the India business of global media house Walt Disney and formed a joint venture with a valuation of over Rs 70,000 crore. The JV will be one of the largest media and entertainment companies in India with a combined revenue of approximately Rs 26,000 crore and will be led by Nita Ambani as its chairperson, according to a joint statement.

Amazon gets show-cause notice from CCI

Amazon gets show-cause notice from CCI

Rediff.com22 Jul 2021

Amazon on Thursday said it has received a show-cause notice from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) based on a complaint filed by Future Group, with which the e-commerce major is locked in a legal battle. The American company and Future Group - one of the biggest retail companies in the country - have been engaged in a bitter tussle after the latter entered into a Rs 24,713 crore deal with Reliance Industries for its retail, logistics and warehousing assets. "We are in receipt of a show-cause notice from the CCI based on the complaint filed by Future as a part of an ongoing dispute.

Disney-Reliance merger may include compromises, watchdogs warn of 'monopoly'

Disney-Reliance merger may include compromises, watchdogs warn of 'monopoly'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

Reuters reported earlier this week that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has sent a warning notice to the companies expressing concern that the merged entity will effectively have a monopoly on cricket broadcast rights worth billions of dollars, allowing it to squeeze advertisers.

Notices issued to CCI, Future Coupons over Amazon's plea

Notices issued to CCI, Future Coupons over Amazon's plea

Rediff.com13 Jan 2022

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Thursday issued notices over the petition filed by e-commerce major Amazon, challenging a recent order passed by the fair trade regulator CCI that suspended the over-two-year-old approval for its deal with Future Coupons Pvt Ltd (FCPL). The appellate tribunal has directed the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and FCPL to file their reply in next 10 days and Amazon to file a rejoinder over it. It has directed to list the matter on February 2, for next hearing.

NCLAT adjourns hearing on Amazon's plea to stay CCI's order

NCLAT adjourns hearing on Amazon's plea to stay CCI's order

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Monday adjourned till February 25, the hearing on the plea of e-commerce major Amazon, seeking an interim stay over the order passed by fair trade regulator CCI, which suspended the over-two-year-old approval for its deal with Future Coupons Pvt Ltd (FCPL). When the matter was called for hearing, a two-member bench expressed its difficulties to take up the matter on Monday, as one of the members is retiring in the next four days, after completing his tenure. In this matter, NCLAT would also have to hear other parties such as fair trade regulator CCI, before passing an order and it would take some more time and then the retiring member would not be a part of the bench.

Over Rs 2,000 cr of M&As may come under CCI's purview

Over Rs 2,000 cr of M&As may come under CCI's purview

Rediff.com6 Aug 2022

An additional criterion in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) may require digital businesses to secure approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the anti-trust regulator. The government is set to introduce a minimum threshold "transaction value" of Rs 2,000 crore (around $250 million) for any deal as a criterion for notification to the anti-trust regulator if the entity being acquired has substantial operations in India. The new criterion is learnt to be part of the proposed amendments to the two-decade-old Competition law, which is expected to be tabled in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

Airtel may see highest revenue growth, user addition in Q3

Airtel may see highest revenue growth, user addition in Q3

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Bharti Airtel is expected to see its highest revenue growth, and subscriber addition during the third quarter (October-December) of FY25 among telcos, said analysts. The telco's top line in Q3 may see the fastest sequential growth at 5 per cent compared to 3 per cent for Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi). Airtel's annual mobile revenue growth would rise to 16 per cent, IIFL Capital said in an analyst note.

Amazon challenges CCI over suspension of 2019 Future deal

Amazon challenges CCI over suspension of 2019 Future deal

Rediff.com10 Jan 2022

Amazon has filed a legal challenge at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) suspension of the US e-commerce giant's 2019 deal with Future Retail (FRL). Amazon has challenged the CCI order on at least five grounds, and the matter is likely to be listed this week, according to the sources. Parallelly, Amazon's Indian unit has approached the Supreme Court against a halt on an arbitration case against Future Retail's (FRL) asset sale to Reliance Industries (RIL).

CCI slaps Rs 936.44 cr fine on Google over Play Store policies

CCI slaps Rs 936.44 cr fine on Google over Play Store policies

Rediff.com25 Oct 2022

In its second ruling against Google in less than a week, the Competition Commission on Tuesday slapped a penalty of Rs 936.44 crore on the internet major for abusing its dominant position with respect to its Play Store policies.

Taking on Google, FB, Apple: CCI seeks more teeth to tackle Big Tech

Taking on Google, FB, Apple: CCI seeks more teeth to tackle Big Tech

Rediff.com31 May 2022

Ashok Kumar Gupta, chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has never minced words while talking about the giant technology companies, referring to them on multiple occasions as "centres for entrenched and unchecked dominance". The anti-trust regulator has, in fact, been cracking down on big technology companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook, and others, after they were hauled up by regulators and lawmakers in Europe and Australia. However, in several instances, existing regulations have prevented the CCI from going all out against these companies for anti-competitive activities.