CCI’s action against rules violation in digital market to be 'evidence-based & proportionate': Chairperson Ravneet Kaur

Competition Commission of India (CCI) chairperson Ravneet Kaur on Tuesday said the regulator’s enforcement action against any violation of antitrust rules in the fast-evolving digital market will be “evidence based, proportionate and anchored in rigorous economic analysis”.

Kaur underscored how the “first-mover advantage” in the digital market gets concretised very quickly, giving rise to competition issues. So, the regulator has adopted an approach where it will curb such anti-competitive conduct with proportionate regulatory action so that innovation in this space isn’t stifled, she indicated.

Kaur was speaking at the 16th annual day function of the CCI in the national capital.


The government is in the process of bringing in a digital competition law to regulate mainly large players that have huge sway over the markets.

The CCI, she said, is undertaking market studies on artificial intelligence and competition.

“So, the intention of the commission is that we have to have insights from these studies and through our stakeholder engagements, as to what are the regulatory tools which need to be employed, and what are the potential competition issues which may arise,” she said.

The Commission’s approach has been forward-looking and is shaped by enforcement, advocacy and institutional capacity building, she suggested.

“It is also been proactive in recalibrating its regulatory tools and frameworks to respond effectively to the complexities of digital markets, globalization and evolving business models,” she said.

She said the antitrust regulator has so far cleared 1,265 combination proposals of 1,284 that it has received.

‘Developed India by 2047’ goal

Kaur highlighted the alignment of the CCI’s regulatory actions and initiatives with the ‘developed India by 2047’ goal and other national aspirations.

“Our vision is very closely aligned to that, because competitive markets are the foundation on which this pillar of an economy can be built,” she said.

“And CCI is committed to ensuring that we have market access for small business, we encourage innovation, prevent monopolistic practices and promote digital inclusion,” she added.

She underscored the regulator’s commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, inclusivity and transparency in all its endeavors.