The Competition Act, 2002
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Section
Section 20 Inquiry into combination by commission.
(1) The Commission may, upon its own knowledge or information relating to acquisition referred to in clause (a) of section 5 or acquiring of control referred to in clause (b) of section 5 or merger or amalgamation referred to in 1[clause (c) of that section 5 or acquisition of any control, shares, voting right or assets of an enterprise, merger or amalgamation referred to in clause (d) of that section], inquire into whether such a combination has caused or is likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India:
Provided that the Commission shall not initiate any inquiry under this sub-section after the expiry of one year from the date on which such combination has taken effect.
(2) The Commission shall, on receipt of a notice under sub-section (2) of section 6 2***, inquire whether a combination referred to in that notice or reference has caused or is likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 5, the Central Government shall, on the expiry of a period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act and thereafter every two years, in consultation with the Commission, 3[enhance or reduce by notification, or keep at the same level, on the basis of the wholesale price index or fluctuations in exchange rate of rupee or foreign currencies, or such factors that in its opinion are relevant in this matter, the value of assets or the value of turnover or value of transaction, for the purposes of that section.
(4) For the purposes of determining whether a combination would have the effect of or is likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in the relevant market, the Commission shall have due regard to all or any of the following factors, namely:--
(a) actual and potential level of competition through imports in the market;
(b) extent of barriers to entry into the market;
(c) level of 4[concentration] in the market;
(d) degree of countervailing power in the market;
(e) likelihood that the combination would result in the parties to the combination being able to significantly and sustainably increase prices or profit margins;
(f) extent of effective competition likely to sustain in a market;
(g) extent to which substitutes are available or arc likely to be available in the market;
(h) market share, in the relevant market, of the persons or enterprise in a combination,
individually and as a combination;
(i) likelihood that the combination would result in the removal of a vigorous and effective competitor or competitors in the market;
(j) nature and extent of vertical integration in the market;
(k) possibility of a failing business;
(l) nature and extent of innovation;
(m) relative advantage, by way of the contribution to the economic development, by any combination having or likely to have appreciable adverse effect on competition;
(n) whether the benefits of the combination outweigh the adverse impact of the combination, if any.
Provided that the Commission shall not initiate any inquiry under this sub-section after the expiry of one year from the date on which such combination has taken effect.
(2) The Commission shall, on receipt of a notice under sub-section (2) of section 6 2***, inquire whether a combination referred to in that notice or reference has caused or is likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 5, the Central Government shall, on the expiry of a period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act and thereafter every two years, in consultation with the Commission, 3[enhance or reduce by notification, or keep at the same level, on the basis of the wholesale price index or fluctuations in exchange rate of rupee or foreign currencies, or such factors that in its opinion are relevant in this matter, the value of assets or the value of turnover or value of transaction, for the purposes of that section.
(4) For the purposes of determining whether a combination would have the effect of or is likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in the relevant market, the Commission shall have due regard to all or any of the following factors, namely:--
(a) actual and potential level of competition through imports in the market;
(b) extent of barriers to entry into the market;
(c) level of 4[concentration] in the market;
(d) degree of countervailing power in the market;
(e) likelihood that the combination would result in the parties to the combination being able to significantly and sustainably increase prices or profit margins;
(f) extent of effective competition likely to sustain in a market;
(g) extent to which substitutes are available or arc likely to be available in the market;
(h) market share, in the relevant market, of the persons or enterprise in a combination,
individually and as a combination;
(i) likelihood that the combination would result in the removal of a vigorous and effective competitor or competitors in the market;
(j) nature and extent of vertical integration in the market;
(k) possibility of a failing business;
(l) nature and extent of innovation;
(m) relative advantage, by way of the contribution to the economic development, by any combination having or likely to have appreciable adverse effect on competition;
(n) whether the benefits of the combination outweigh the adverse impact of the combination, if any.
1. Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for "clause (c) of that section" (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. The words, brackets and figures in brackets "or upon receipt of a reference under sub section (1) of section 21" omitted by Act 39 of 2007, s. 14 (w.e.f. 1-6-2011).
3. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 15, for certain words (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
4. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 16, for "combination" (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. The words, brackets and figures in brackets "or upon receipt of a reference under sub section (1) of section 21" omitted by Act 39 of 2007, s. 14 (w.e.f. 1-6-2011).
3. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 15, for certain words (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
4. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 16, for "combination" (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
Section 21 Reference by statutory authority.
(1) Where in the course of a proceeding before any statutory authority an issue is raised by any party that any decision which such statutory authority has taken or proposes to take, is or would be, contrary to any of the provisions of this Act, then such statutory authority may make a reference in respect of such issue to the Commission:
1[Provided that any statutory authority, may, suo motu, make a reference to the Commission on any issue that involves any provision of this Act or is related to promoting the objectives of this Act, as the case may be.]
2[(2) On receipt of a reference under sub-section (1), the Commission shall give its opinion, within sixty days of receipt of such reference, to such statutory authority which shall consider the opinion of the Commission and thereafter, give its findings recording reasons therefor on the issues referred to in the said opinion.]
1[Provided that any statutory authority, may, suo motu, make a reference to the Commission on any issue that involves any provision of this Act or is related to promoting the objectives of this Act, as the case may be.]
2[(2) On receipt of a reference under sub-section (1), the Commission shall give its opinion, within sixty days of receipt of such reference, to such statutory authority which shall consider the opinion of the Commission and thereafter, give its findings recording reasons therefor on the issues referred to in the said opinion.]
1. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 16, for the Proviso (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 15, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
2. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 15, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
Section 21A Reference by Commission.
1[21A. Reference by Commission.--(1) Where in the course of a proceeding before the Commission an issue is raised by any party that any decision which, the Commission has taken during such proceeding or proposes to take, is or would be contrary to any provision of 2[an Act] whose implementation is entrusted to a statutory authority, then the Commission may make a reference in respect of such issue to the statutory authority:
3[Provided that the Commission, may, suo motu, make a reference to a statutory authority on any issue that involves provisions of an Act whose implementation is entrusted to that statutory authority.]
(2) On receipt of a reference under sub-section (1), the statutory authority shall give its opinion, within sixty days of receipt of such reference, to the Commission which shall consider the opinion of the statutory authority, and thereafter give its findings recording reasons therefor on the issues referred to in the said opinion.]
3[Provided that the Commission, may, suo motu, make a reference to a statutory authority on any issue that involves provisions of an Act whose implementation is entrusted to that statutory authority.]
(2) On receipt of a reference under sub-section (1), the statutory authority shall give its opinion, within sixty days of receipt of such reference, to the Commission which shall consider the opinion of the statutory authority, and thereafter give its findings recording reasons therefor on the issues referred to in the said opinion.]
1. Ins. by s. 16, ibid., (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
2. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 17, for "this Acbqts (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
3. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for the Proviso (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 17, for "this Acbqts (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
3. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for the Proviso (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
Section 22 Meetings of Commission.
1[22. Meetings of Commission.--(1) The Commission shall meet at such times and such places, and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings as may be provided by regulations.
(2) The Chairperson, if for any reason, is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission, the senior-most Member present at the meeting, shall preside at the meeting.
(3) All questions which come up before any meeting of the Commission shall be decided by a majority of the Members present and voting, 2***:
Provided that the quorum for such meeting shall be three Members.]
(2) The Chairperson, if for any reason, is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission, the senior-most Member present at the meeting, shall preside at the meeting.
(3) All questions which come up before any meeting of the Commission shall be decided by a majority of the Members present and voting, 2***:
Provided that the quorum for such meeting shall be three Members.]
1. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 17, for section 22 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).
2. The words "and in the even of equality of votes, the Chairperson or in his absence, the Member presiding, shall have second or casting vote" omitted by Act 9 of 2023, s. 18 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. The words "and in the even of equality of votes, the Chairperson or in his absence, the Member presiding, shall have second or casting vote" omitted by Act 9 of 2023, s. 18 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
Section 23 Omitted.
[Distribution of business of Commission amongst Benches.] Omitted by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007 (39 of 2007), s. 18 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).]
Section 24 Omitted.
[Procedure for deciding a case where Members of a Bench differ.] Omitted by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).]
Section 25 Omitted.
[Jurisdiction of Bench.] Omitted by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).]
Section 26 Procedure for inquiry under section 19.
1[26. Procedure for inquiry under section 19.--(1) On receipt of a reference from the Central Government or a State Government or a statutory authority or on its own knowledge or information received under section 19, if the Commission is of the opinion that there exists a prima facie case, it shall direct the Director General to cause an investigation to be made into the matter:
Provided that if the subject matter of an information received is, in the opinion of the Commission, substantially the same as or has been covered by any previous information received, then the new information may be clubbed with the previous information.
(2) Where on receipt of a reference from the Central Government or a State Government or a statutory authority or information received under section 19, the Commission is of the opinion that there exists no prima facie case, it shall close the matter forthwith and pass such orders as it deems fit and send a copy of its order to the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority or the parties concerned, as the case may be.
2[(2A) The Commission may not inquire into agreement referred to in section 3 or conduct of an enterprise or group under section 4, if the same or substantially the same facts and issues raised in the information received under section 19 or reference from the Central Government or a State Government or a statutory authority has already been decided by the Commission in its previous order.]
(3) The Director General shall, on receipt of direction under sub-section (1), submit a report on his findings within such period as may be specified by the Commission.
2[(3A) If, after consideration of the report of the Director General referred to in sub-section (3), the Commission is of the opinion that further investigation is required, it may direct the Director General to investigate further into the matter.
(3B) The Director General shall, on receipt of direction under sub-section (3A), investigate the matter and submit a supplementary report on his findings within such period as may be specified by the Commission.]
(4) The Commission may forward a copy of the report referred to in 3[sub-section (3) and (3B)] to the parties concerned:
Provided that in case the investigation is caused to be made based on reference received from the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority, the Commission shall forward a copy of the report referred to in 3[sub-section (3) and (3B)] to the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority, as the case may be.
(5) If the report of the Director General referred to in 3[sub-section (3) and (3B)] recommends that there is no contravention of the provisions of this Act, the Commission shall invite objections or suggestions from the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority or the parties concerned, as the case may be, on such report of the Director General.
(6) If, after consideration of the objections or suggestions referred to in sub-section (5), if any, the Commission agrees with the recommendation of the Director General, it shall close the matter forthwith and pass such orders as it deems fit and communicate its order to the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority or the parties concerned, as the case may be.
(7) If, after consideration of the objections or suggestions referred to in sub-section (5), if any, the Commission is of the opinion that further investigation is called for, it may direct further investigation in the matter by the Director General or cause further inquiry to be made in the matter or itself proceed with further inquiry in the matter in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
(8) If the report of the Director General referred to in 3[sub-section (3) and (3B)] recommends that there is contravention of any of the provisions of this Act, and the Commission is of the opinion that further inquiry is called for, it shall inquire into such contravention in accordance with the provisions of this Act.]
4[(9) Upon completion of the investigation or inquiry under sub-section (7) or sub-section (8), as the case may be, the Commission may pass an order closing the matter or pass an order under section 27, and send a copy of its order to the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority or the parties concerned, as the case may be:
Provided that before passing such order, the Commission shall issue a show-cause notice indicating the contraventions alleged to have been committed and such other details as may be specified by regulations and give a reasonable opportunity of being heard to the parties concerned.]
Provided that if the subject matter of an information received is, in the opinion of the Commission, substantially the same as or has been covered by any previous information received, then the new information may be clubbed with the previous information.
(2) Where on receipt of a reference from the Central Government or a State Government or a statutory authority or information received under section 19, the Commission is of the opinion that there exists no prima facie case, it shall close the matter forthwith and pass such orders as it deems fit and send a copy of its order to the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority or the parties concerned, as the case may be.
2[(2A) The Commission may not inquire into agreement referred to in section 3 or conduct of an enterprise or group under section 4, if the same or substantially the same facts and issues raised in the information received under section 19 or reference from the Central Government or a State Government or a statutory authority has already been decided by the Commission in its previous order.]
(3) The Director General shall, on receipt of direction under sub-section (1), submit a report on his findings within such period as may be specified by the Commission.
2[(3A) If, after consideration of the report of the Director General referred to in sub-section (3), the Commission is of the opinion that further investigation is required, it may direct the Director General to investigate further into the matter.
(3B) The Director General shall, on receipt of direction under sub-section (3A), investigate the matter and submit a supplementary report on his findings within such period as may be specified by the Commission.]
(4) The Commission may forward a copy of the report referred to in 3[sub-section (3) and (3B)] to the parties concerned:
Provided that in case the investigation is caused to be made based on reference received from the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority, the Commission shall forward a copy of the report referred to in 3[sub-section (3) and (3B)] to the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority, as the case may be.
(5) If the report of the Director General referred to in 3[sub-section (3) and (3B)] recommends that there is no contravention of the provisions of this Act, the Commission shall invite objections or suggestions from the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority or the parties concerned, as the case may be, on such report of the Director General.
(6) If, after consideration of the objections or suggestions referred to in sub-section (5), if any, the Commission agrees with the recommendation of the Director General, it shall close the matter forthwith and pass such orders as it deems fit and communicate its order to the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority or the parties concerned, as the case may be.
(7) If, after consideration of the objections or suggestions referred to in sub-section (5), if any, the Commission is of the opinion that further investigation is called for, it may direct further investigation in the matter by the Director General or cause further inquiry to be made in the matter or itself proceed with further inquiry in the matter in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
(8) If the report of the Director General referred to in 3[sub-section (3) and (3B)] recommends that there is contravention of any of the provisions of this Act, and the Commission is of the opinion that further inquiry is called for, it shall inquire into such contravention in accordance with the provisions of this Act.]
4[(9) Upon completion of the investigation or inquiry under sub-section (7) or sub-section (8), as the case may be, the Commission may pass an order closing the matter or pass an order under section 27, and send a copy of its order to the Central Government or the State Government or the statutory authority or the parties concerned, as the case may be:
Provided that before passing such order, the Commission shall issue a show-cause notice indicating the contraventions alleged to have been committed and such other details as may be specified by regulations and give a reasonable opportunity of being heard to the parties concerned.]
1. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 19, for section 26 (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
2. Ins. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 19 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
3. Subs. by s. 19, ibid., for "sub-section (3)" (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
4. ns. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f. 19-9-2024).
2. Ins. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 19 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
3. Subs. by s. 19, ibid., for "sub-section (3)" (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
4. ns. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f. 19-9-2024).
Section 27 Orders by Commission after inquiry into agreements or abuse of dominant position.
Where after inquiry the Commission finds that any agreement referred to in section 3 or action of an enterprise in a dominant position, is in contravention of section 3 or section 4, as the case may be, it may pass all or any of the following orders, namely:--
(a) direct any enterprise or association of enterprises or person or association of persons, as the case may be, involved in such agreement, or abuse of dominant position, to discontinue and not to re-enter such agreement or discontinue such abuse of dominant position, as the case may be;
2[(b) impose such penalty, as it may deem fit which shall be not more than ten per cent. of the average of the turnover or income, as the case may be, for the last three preceding financial years, upon each of such person or enterprise which is a party to such agreement or has abused its dominant position:
Provided that in case any agreement referred to in section 3 has been entered into by a cartel, the Commission may impose upon each producer, seller, distributor, trader or service provider included in that cartel, a penalty of up to three times of its profit for each year of the continuance of such agreement or ten per cent. of its turnover or income, as the case may be, for each year of the continuance of such agreement, whichever is higher.
Explanation 1.--For the purposes of this clause, the expression "turnover" or "income", as the case may be, shall be determined in such manner as may be specified by regulations..
Explanation 2.--For the purposes of this clause, "turnover" means global turnover derived from all the products and services by a person or an enterprise.]
3* * * * *
(d) direct that the agreements shall stand modified to the extent and in the manner as may be specified in the order by the Commission;
(e) direct the enterprises concerned to abide by such other orders as the Commission may pass and comply with the directions, including payment of costs, if any;
4* * * * *
(g) pass such other 5[order or issue such directions] as it may deem fit:
6[Provided that while passing orders under this section, if the Commission comes to a finding, that an enterprise in contravention to section 3 or section 4 of the Act is a member of a group as defined in clause (b) of the Explanation to section 5 of the Act, and other members of such a group are also responsible for, or have contributed to, such a contravention, then it may pass orders, under this section, against such members of the group.]
(a) direct any enterprise or association of enterprises or person or association of persons, as the case may be, involved in such agreement, or abuse of dominant position, to discontinue and not to re-enter such agreement or discontinue such abuse of dominant position, as the case may be;
2[(b) impose such penalty, as it may deem fit which shall be not more than ten per cent. of the average of the turnover or income, as the case may be, for the last three preceding financial years, upon each of such person or enterprise which is a party to such agreement or has abused its dominant position:
Provided that in case any agreement referred to in section 3 has been entered into by a cartel, the Commission may impose upon each producer, seller, distributor, trader or service provider included in that cartel, a penalty of up to three times of its profit for each year of the continuance of such agreement or ten per cent. of its turnover or income, as the case may be, for each year of the continuance of such agreement, whichever is higher.
Explanation 1.--For the purposes of this clause, the expression "turnover" or "income", as the case may be, shall be determined in such manner as may be specified by regulations..
Explanation 2.--For the purposes of this clause, "turnover" means global turnover derived from all the products and services by a person or an enterprise.]
3* * * * *
(d) direct that the agreements shall stand modified to the extent and in the manner as may be specified in the order by the Commission;
(e) direct the enterprises concerned to abide by such other orders as the Commission may pass and comply with the directions, including payment of costs, if any;
4* * * * *
(g) pass such other 5[order or issue such directions] as it may deem fit:
6[Provided that while passing orders under this section, if the Commission comes to a finding, that an enterprise in contravention to section 3 or section 4 of the Act is a member of a group as defined in clause (b) of the Explanation to section 5 of the Act, and other members of such a group are also responsible for, or have contributed to, such a contravention, then it may pass orders, under this section, against such members of the group.]
1. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 20, for the proviso (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
2. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for clause (b) (w.e.f. 6-3-2024).
3. Cl. (c) omitted by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
4. Cl. (f) omitted by Act 39 of 2007, s. 20 (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
5. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "order" (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
6. The Proviso inserted by s.20, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
2. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for clause (b) (w.e.f. 6-3-2024).
3. Cl. (c) omitted by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
4. Cl. (f) omitted by Act 39 of 2007, s. 20 (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
5. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "order" (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
6. The Proviso inserted by s.20, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
Section 28 Division of enterprise enjoying dominant position.
The 1[Commission] may, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, by order in writing, direct division of an enterprise enjoying dominant position to ensure that such enterprise does not abuse its dominant position.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, the order referred to in sub-section (1) may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:--
(a) the transfer or vesting of property, rights, liabilities or obligations;
(b) the adjustment of contracts either by discharge or reduction of any liability or obligation or otherwise;
(c) the creation, allotment, surrender or cancellation of any shares, stocks or securities;
2* * * * *
(e) the formation or winding up of an enterprise or the amendment of the memorandum of association or articles of association or any other instruments regulating the business of any enterprise;
(f) the extent to which, and the circumstances in which, provisions of the order affecting an enterprise may be altered by the enterprise and the registration thereof;
(g) any other matter which may be necessary to give effect to the division of the enterprise.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or in any contract or in any memorandum or articles of association, an officer of a company who ceases to hold office as such in consequence of the division of an enterprise shall not be entitled to claim any compensation for such cesser
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, the order referred to in sub-section (1) may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:--
(a) the transfer or vesting of property, rights, liabilities or obligations;
(b) the adjustment of contracts either by discharge or reduction of any liability or obligation or otherwise;
(c) the creation, allotment, surrender or cancellation of any shares, stocks or securities;
2* * * * *
(e) the formation or winding up of an enterprise or the amendment of the memorandum of association or articles of association or any other instruments regulating the business of any enterprise;
(f) the extent to which, and the circumstances in which, provisions of the order affecting an enterprise may be altered by the enterprise and the registration thereof;
(g) any other matter which may be necessary to give effect to the division of the enterprise.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or in any contract or in any memorandum or articles of association, an officer of a company who ceases to hold office as such in consequence of the division of an enterprise shall not be entitled to claim any compensation for such cesser
1. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "Central Government, on recommendation under clause (f) of section 27" (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
2. Cl. (d) omitted by s. 21, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-20090
2. Cl. (d) omitted by s. 21, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-20090
Section 29 Procedure for investigation of combinations.
(1) Where the Commission is of the 1[prima facie] opinion that a combination is likely to cause, or has caused an appreciable adverse effect on competition within the relevant market in India, it shall issue a notice to show cause to the parties to combination calling upon them to respond 2[within fifteen days] of the receipt of the notice, as to why investigation in respect of such combination should not be conducted.
1[(1A) After receipt of the response of the parties to the combination under sub-section (1), the Commission may call for a report from the Director General and such report shall be submitted by the Director General within such time as the Commission may direct.]
3[(1B) The Commission shall, within thirty days of receipt of notice under sub-section (2) of section 6, form its prima facie opinion referred to in sub-section (1).]
(2) The Commission, if it is prima facie of the opinion that the combination has, or is likely to have,an appreciable adverse effect on competition, it shall, 4[within seven days] from the date of receipt of the response of the parties to the combination, 1[or the receipt of the report from Director General called under sub section (1A), whichever is later] direct the parties to the said combination to publish details of the combination 5[within seven days] of such direction, in such manner, as it thinks appropriate, for bringing the combination to the knowledge or information of the public and persons affected or likely to be affected by such combination.
(3) The Commission may invite any person or member of the public, affected or likely to be affected by the said combination, to file his written objections, if any, before the Commission 6[within ten days] from the date on which the details of the combination were published under sub-section (2).
(4) The Commission may, 7[within seven days] from the expiry of the period specified in sub-section (3), call for such additional or other information as it may deem fit from the parties to the said combination.
(5) The additional or other information called for by the Commission shall be furnished by the parties referred to in sub-section (4) 8[within ten days] from the expiry of the period specified in sub-section (4).
9[(6) After receipt of all information, the Commission shall proceed to deal with the case in accordance with the provisions contained in section 29A or section 31, as the case may be.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Commission may accept appropriate modifications offered by the parties to the combination or suo motu propose modifications, as the case may be, before forming a prima facie opinion under sub-section (1).]
1[(1A) After receipt of the response of the parties to the combination under sub-section (1), the Commission may call for a report from the Director General and such report shall be submitted by the Director General within such time as the Commission may direct.]
3[(1B) The Commission shall, within thirty days of receipt of notice under sub-section (2) of section 6, form its prima facie opinion referred to in sub-section (1).]
(2) The Commission, if it is prima facie of the opinion that the combination has, or is likely to have,an appreciable adverse effect on competition, it shall, 4[within seven days] from the date of receipt of the response of the parties to the combination, 1[or the receipt of the report from Director General called under sub section (1A), whichever is later] direct the parties to the said combination to publish details of the combination 5[within seven days] of such direction, in such manner, as it thinks appropriate, for bringing the combination to the knowledge or information of the public and persons affected or likely to be affected by such combination.
(3) The Commission may invite any person or member of the public, affected or likely to be affected by the said combination, to file his written objections, if any, before the Commission 6[within ten days] from the date on which the details of the combination were published under sub-section (2).
(4) The Commission may, 7[within seven days] from the expiry of the period specified in sub-section (3), call for such additional or other information as it may deem fit from the parties to the said combination.
(5) The additional or other information called for by the Commission shall be furnished by the parties referred to in sub-section (4) 8[within ten days] from the expiry of the period specified in sub-section (4).
9[(6) After receipt of all information, the Commission shall proceed to deal with the case in accordance with the provisions contained in section 29A or section 31, as the case may be.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Commission may accept appropriate modifications offered by the parties to the combination or suo motu propose modifications, as the case may be, before forming a prima facie opinion under sub-section (1).]
1. Ins. by Act 39 of 2007 s. 22, (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
2. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 21, for "within thirty days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
3. Ins. by s. 21, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
4. 6. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "within seven working days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
5. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "within ten working days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
6. Subs. by s. 21, ibid, for "within fifteen working days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
7. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "within fifteen working days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
8. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "within fifteen days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
9. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for sub-section (6) (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
2. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 21, for "within thirty days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
3. Ins. by s. 21, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
4. 6. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "within seven working days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
5. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "within ten working days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
6. Subs. by s. 21, ibid, for "within fifteen working days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
7. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "within fifteen working days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
8. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "within fifteen days" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
9. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for sub-section (6) (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
Section 29A Issue of statement of objections by Commission and proposal of modifications.
1[29A. Issue of statement of objections by Commission and proposal of modifications.--(1) Upon completion of the process under section 29, where the Commission is of the opinion that the combination has, or is likely to have, an appreciable adverse effect on competition, it shall issue a statement of objections to the parties identifying such appreciable adverse effect on competition and direct the parties to explain within twenty-five days of receipt of the statement of objections, why such combination should be allowed to take effect.
(2) Where the parties to the combination consider that such appreciable adverse effect on competition can be eliminated by suitable modification to such combination, they may submit an offer of appropriate modification to the combination along with their explanation to the statement of objections issued under sub-section (1) in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(3) If the Commission does not accept the modification submitted by the parties under sub-section (2) it shall, within seven days from the date of receipt of the proposed modifications under that sub-section, communicate to the parties as to why the modification is not sufficient to eliminate the appreciable adverse effect on competition and call upon the parties to furnish, within twelve days of the receipt of the said communication, revised modification, if any, to eliminate the appreciable adverse effects on competition:
Provided that the Commission shall evaluate such proposal for modification within twelve days from receipt of such proposal:
Provided further that the Commission may suo motu propose appropriate modifications to the combination which may be considered by the parties to the combination.]
(2) Where the parties to the combination consider that such appreciable adverse effect on competition can be eliminated by suitable modification to such combination, they may submit an offer of appropriate modification to the combination along with their explanation to the statement of objections issued under sub-section (1) in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(3) If the Commission does not accept the modification submitted by the parties under sub-section (2) it shall, within seven days from the date of receipt of the proposed modifications under that sub-section, communicate to the parties as to why the modification is not sufficient to eliminate the appreciable adverse effect on competition and call upon the parties to furnish, within twelve days of the receipt of the said communication, revised modification, if any, to eliminate the appreciable adverse effects on competition:
Provided that the Commission shall evaluate such proposal for modification within twelve days from receipt of such proposal:
Provided further that the Commission may suo motu propose appropriate modifications to the combination which may be considered by the parties to the combination.]
1. Ins. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 22, (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
Section 30 Inquiry into disclosures under sub-section (2) of section 6.
1[30. Procedure in case of notice under sub-section (2) of section 6.--Where any person or enterprise has given a notice under sub-section (2) of section 6, the Commission shall examine such notice and form its prima facie opinion as provided in sub-section (1) of section 29 and proceed as per provisions contained in that section.]
1 Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 23, for section 30 (w.e.f. 1-6-2011).
Section 31 Orders of Commission on certain combinations.
31. Orders of Commission on 1*** combinations.--(1) Where the Commission is of the opinion that any combination does not, or is not likely to, have an appreciable adverse effect on competition, it shall, by order, approve that combination 2*** in respect of which a notice has been given under subsection (2) of section 6.
3[ Provided that if the Commission does not form a prima facie opinion as provided under sub-section (1B) of section 29, the combination shall be deemed to have been approved and no separate order shall be required to be passed.]
(2) Where the Commission is of the opinion that the combination has, or is likely to have, an appreciable adverse effect on competition, it shall direct that the combination shall not take effect.
4[(3) Where the Commission is of the opinion that any appreciable adverse effect on competition that the combination has, or is likely to have, can be eliminated by modification proposed by the parties or the Commission, as the case may be, under sub-section (7) of section 29 or sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) of section 29A, it may approve the combination subject to such modifications as it thinks fit.
(5) Where—
(a) the Commission has directed under sub-section (2) that the combination shall not take effect; or
(b) the parties to the combination, fail to carry out the modification within such period as may be specified by the Commission under sub-section (4); or
(c) the Commission is of the opinion that the combination has, or is likely to have, an appreciable adverse effect on competition which cannot be eliminated by suitable modification to such combination,
then, without prejudice to any penalty which may be imposed or any prosecution which may be initiated under this Act, the Commission may order that such combination shall not be given effect to, or be declared void, or frame a scheme to be implemented by the parties to address the appreciable adverse effect on competition, as the case may be.
(6) If no order is passed or direction issued by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) or sub-section (5), as the case may be, within a period of one hundred and fifty days from the date of notice given to the Commission under sub-section (2) of section 6, the combination shall be deemed to have been approved by the Commission.]
3* * * * *.
(13) Where the Commission has ordered a combination to be void, the acquisition or acquiring of control or merger or amalgamation referred to in section 5, shall be dealt with by the authorities under any other law for the time being in force as if such acquisition or acquiring of control or merger or amalgamation had not taken place and the parties to the combination shall be dealt with accordingly.
(14) Nothing contained in this Chapter shall affect any proceeding initiated or which may be initiated under any other law for the time being in force.
3[ Provided that if the Commission does not form a prima facie opinion as provided under sub-section (1B) of section 29, the combination shall be deemed to have been approved and no separate order shall be required to be passed.]
(2) Where the Commission is of the opinion that the combination has, or is likely to have, an appreciable adverse effect on competition, it shall direct that the combination shall not take effect.
4[(3) Where the Commission is of the opinion that any appreciable adverse effect on competition that the combination has, or is likely to have, can be eliminated by modification proposed by the parties or the Commission, as the case may be, under sub-section (7) of section 29 or sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) of section 29A, it may approve the combination subject to such modifications as it thinks fit.
(5) Where—
(a) the Commission has directed under sub-section (2) that the combination shall not take effect; or
(b) the parties to the combination, fail to carry out the modification within such period as may be specified by the Commission under sub-section (4); or
(c) the Commission is of the opinion that the combination has, or is likely to have, an appreciable adverse effect on competition which cannot be eliminated by suitable modification to such combination,
then, without prejudice to any penalty which may be imposed or any prosecution which may be initiated under this Act, the Commission may order that such combination shall not be given effect to, or be declared void, or frame a scheme to be implemented by the parties to address the appreciable adverse effect on competition, as the case may be.
(6) If no order is passed or direction issued by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) or sub-section (5), as the case may be, within a period of one hundred and fifty days from the date of notice given to the Commission under sub-section (2) of section 6, the combination shall be deemed to have been approved by the Commission.]
3* * * * *.
(13) Where the Commission has ordered a combination to be void, the acquisition or acquiring of control or merger or amalgamation referred to in section 5, shall be dealt with by the authorities under any other law for the time being in force as if such acquisition or acquiring of control or merger or amalgamation had not taken place and the parties to the combination shall be dealt with accordingly.
(14) Nothing contained in this Chapter shall affect any proceeding initiated or which may be initiated under any other law for the time being in force.
1. The word "certain" omitted by Act 9 of 2023, s. 23 (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
2. The words "including the combination" omitted by s. 23, ibid., (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
3. Ins. by s. 23, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
4. Subs. by s. 23, ibid., for sub-sections (3), (4), (5) and (6) (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
5. Sub-sections (7), (8), (9), (10), (11) and (12) omitted by s. 23, ibid., (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
2. The words "including the combination" omitted by s. 23, ibid., (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
3. Ins. by s. 23, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
4. Subs. by s. 23, ibid., for sub-sections (3), (4), (5) and (6) (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
5. Sub-sections (7), (8), (9), (10), (11) and (12) omitted by s. 23, ibid., (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
Section 32 Acts taking place outside India but having an effect on competition in India
The Commission shall, notwithstanding that,--
(a) an agreement referred to in section 3 has been entered into outside India; or
(b) any party to such agreement is outside India; or
(c) any enterprise abusing the dominant position is outside India; or
(d) a combination has taken place outside India; or
(e) any party to combination is outside India; or
(f) any other matter or practice or action arising out of such agreement or dominant position or combination is outside India,
have power to inquire 1[in accordance with the provisions contained in sections 19, 20, 26, 229, 29A and 30] of the Act into such agreement or abuse of dominant position or combination if such agreement or dominant position or combination has, or is likely to have, an appreciable adverse effect on competition in the relevant market in India 1[and pass such orders as it may deem fit in accordance with the provisions of this Act].
(a) an agreement referred to in section 3 has been entered into outside India; or
(b) any party to such agreement is outside India; or
(c) any enterprise abusing the dominant position is outside India; or
(d) a combination has taken place outside India; or
(e) any party to combination is outside India; or
(f) any other matter or practice or action arising out of such agreement or dominant position or combination is outside India,
have power to inquire 1[in accordance with the provisions contained in sections 19, 20, 26, 229, 29A and 30] of the Act into such agreement or abuse of dominant position or combination if such agreement or dominant position or combination has, or is likely to have, an appreciable adverse effect on competition in the relevant market in India 1[and pass such orders as it may deem fit in accordance with the provisions of this Act].
1. Ins. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 25, (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
2. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 24, for "29 and 30" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
2. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 24, for "29 and 30" (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
Section 33 Power to issue interim orders.
1[33. Power to issue interim orders.--Where during an inquiry, the Commission is satisfied that an act in contravention of sub-section (1) of section 3 or sub-section (1) of section 4 or section 6 has been committed and continues to be committed or that such act is about to be committed, the Commission may, by order, temporarily restrain any party from carrying on such act until the conclusion of such inquiry or until further orders, without giving notice to such party, where it deems it necessary.]
1. Subs. by s. 26, ibid., for section 33 (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
Section 34 Omitted.
[Power to award compensation.] Omitted by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007 (39 of 2007) s. 27 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).
Section 35 Appearance before Commission
1[1] 2[A party] or the Director General may either appear in person or authorise one or more chartered accountants or company secretaries or cost accountants or legal practitioners or any of his or its officers to present his or its case before the Commission.
Explanation.--For the purposes of this section,--
(a) "chartered accountant" means a chartered accountant as defined in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (38 of 1949) and who has obtained a certificate of practice under sub-section (1) of section 6 of that Act;
(b) "company secretary" means a company secretary as defined in clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 (56 of 1980) and who has obtained a certificate of practice under sub-section (1) of section 6 of that Act;
(c) "cost accountant" means a cost accountant as defined in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959 (23 of 1959) and who has obtained a certificate of practice under sub- section (1) of section 6 of that Act;
(d) "legal practitioner" means an advocate, vakil or an attorney of any High Court, and includes a pleader in practice.
3[(2) Without prejudice to sub-section (1), a party may call upon experts from the fields of economics, commerce, international trade or from any other discipline to provide an expert opinion in connection with any matter related to a case.]
Explanation.--For the purposes of this section,--
(a) "chartered accountant" means a chartered accountant as defined in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (38 of 1949) and who has obtained a certificate of practice under sub-section (1) of section 6 of that Act;
(b) "company secretary" means a company secretary as defined in clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 (56 of 1980) and who has obtained a certificate of practice under sub-section (1) of section 6 of that Act;
(c) "cost accountant" means a cost accountant as defined in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959 (23 of 1959) and who has obtained a certificate of practice under sub- section (1) of section 6 of that Act;
(d) "legal practitioner" means an advocate, vakil or an attorney of any High Court, and includes a pleader in practice.
3[(2) Without prejudice to sub-section (1), a party may call upon experts from the fields of economics, commerce, international trade or from any other discipline to provide an expert opinion in connection with any matter related to a case.]
1. Section 35 shall be numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 9 of 2023, s. 25 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. Subs. by s. 25, ibid., for "A person or an enterprise" (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
3. Ins. by s. 25, ibid. (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. Subs. by s. 25, ibid., for "A person or an enterprise" (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
3. Ins. by s. 25, ibid. (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
Section 36 Power of Commission to regulate its own procedure.
1[36. Power of Commission to regulate its own procedure.-- (1) In the discharge of its functions, the Commission shall be guided by the principles of natural justice and, subject to the other provisions of this Act and of any rules made by the Central Government, the Commission shall have the powers to regulate its own procedure.
(2) The Commission shall have, for the purposes of discharging its functions under this Act, the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:--
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavit;
(d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(e) requisitioning, subject to the provisions of sections 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872), any public record or document or copy of such record or document from any office.
(3) The Commission may call upon such experts, from the fields of economics, commerce, accountancy, international trade or from any other discipline as it deems necessary to assist the Commission in the conduct of any inquiry by it.
(4) The Commission may direct any person--
(a) to produce before the Director General or the Secretary or an officer authorised by it, such books, or other documents in the custody or under the control of such person so directed as may be specified or described in the direction, being documents relating to any trade, the examination of which may be required for the purposes of this Act;
(b) to furnish to the Director General or the Secretary or any other officer authorised by it, as respects the trade or such other information as may be in his possession in relation to the trade carried on by such person, as may be required for the purposes of this Act.]
(2) The Commission shall have, for the purposes of discharging its functions under this Act, the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:--
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavit;
(d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(e) requisitioning, subject to the provisions of sections 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872), any public record or document or copy of such record or document from any office.
(3) The Commission may call upon such experts, from the fields of economics, commerce, accountancy, international trade or from any other discipline as it deems necessary to assist the Commission in the conduct of any inquiry by it.
(4) The Commission may direct any person--
(a) to produce before the Director General or the Secretary or an officer authorised by it, such books, or other documents in the custody or under the control of such person so directed as may be specified or described in the direction, being documents relating to any trade, the examination of which may be required for the purposes of this Act;
(b) to furnish to the Director General or the Secretary or any other officer authorised by it, as respects the trade or such other information as may be in his possession in relation to the trade carried on by such person, as may be required for the purposes of this Act.]
1. Subs. by s. 29, ibid., for section 36 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).
Section 37 Omitted.
[Review of orders of Commission.] Omitted by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007 (39 of 2007), s. 30 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).