ROLE OF COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA IN REGULATION OF COMBINATIONS: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY
AUTHOR – HARSHITA* & DR. ARVIND P. BHANU**
* STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, NOIDA
** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, NOIDA
BEST CITATION – HARSHITA & DR. ARVIND P. BHANU, ROLE OF COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA IN REGULATION OF COMBINATIONS: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (6) OF 2025, PG. 189-195, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
The regulation of combinations—comprising mergers, acquisitions, and amalgamations—is a critical aspect of modern competition law, aimed at preserving fair market structures and preventing undue concentration of economic power. In India, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the statutory authority entrusted with scrutinizing such combinations under the Competition Act, 2002. This research paper provides an analytical study of the CCI’s role in regulating combinations, focusing on the legal framework, regulatory procedures, and practical implementation. It explores the statutory provisions under Sections 5 and 6, the concept and application of the De Minimis exemption, and the procedural framework established under the Combination Regulations, 2011. The study also evaluates key decisions and orders passed by the CCI in notable cases, identifying emerging patterns in merger review and their implications on market dynamics. A critical analysis highlights both the strengths and challenges of the current regulatory regime, particularly in balancing the goals of promoting business growth and safeguarding competition. The paper concludes with recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the combination review process in light of evolving market complexities and global best practices.
Key words: Anti-Competitive Practices, Combinations, Competition Commission of India (CCI), Appreciable Adverse Effect on Competition (AAEC), Relevant Market