A Chairperson and at most six other Members: the regulator that polices anti-competitive deals

Background

The Competition Commission of India is the central regulator for fair competition in the markets of India. Its own account says the Central Government established it with effect from 14th October 2003. The Act it works under is The Competition Act, 2002. A 2007 amendment Act later altered that law. That law bars anti-competitive agreements and the abuse of dominant position by enterprises, and it regulates combinations — acquisitions, the acquiring of control, and mergers — that have, or are likely to have, an appreciable adverse effect on competition within India. The Commission has a Chairperson; besides the Chairperson it has at least two and not more than six other Members, each appointed by the Central Government. Its duties are to end practices that harm competition, to protect consumers, and to ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India. It also gives opinions on competition questions referred by a statutory authority, and it carries on competition advocacy, public awareness and training. The office is at Kidwai Nagar (East) in New Delhi.