About CCI

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002 for the administration, implementation and enforcement of the Act.

• CCI consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government.
• The following are the objectives of the Commission.
  • To prevent practices having adverse effects on competition. 
  • To promote and sustain competition in markets.
  • To protect the interests of consumers and
  • To ensure freedom of trade
• The Commission is also required to give opinion on competition issues on a reference received from a statutory authority established under any law and to undertake competition advocacy, create public awareness and impart training on competition issues.
• Appeals of CCI lie with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal.
• The recently passed Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 makes a number of changes to the Competition Act, 2002, which is the country’s primary competition law. The amendments aim to strengthen competition regulation, streamline operations, and foster a business-friendly environment.

Why in News?

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has been in the news recently for approving several significant mergers and acquisitions including the acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited by Mankind Pharma Ltd. This reflects CCI’s key role in overseeing competition and preventing monopolistic practices in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals.