Roadmap for Answer Writing

To structure your answer effectively, follow a clear, concise roadmap with distinct sections. Here’s how you can break down the answer:

1. Introduction (1-2 sentences)

• Briefly introduce the Competition Commission of India (CCI), mentioning its creation under the Competition Act, 2002.
• State its primary purpose: promoting fair competition and protecting consumer interests.

2. Composition of the CCI (3-4 sentences)

• Chairman: Describe that the CCI is headed by a Chairman.
• Members: The CCI consists of one Chairman and up to six members.
• Eligibility Criteria: Highlight the experience and knowledge required for the members, such as 15 years of experience in areas like trade, economics, law, finance, business, or competition law.
• Appointment: All members, including the Chairman, are appointed by the Central Government.

Relevant Facts:

• The Competition Commission of India is constituted as per the Competition Act, 2002.
• Members must have expertise in international trade, economics, law, business, etc., and 15 years of experience in these fields. (Source: Competition Act, 2002)

3. Role of the CCI in Promoting Fair Competition (6-7 sentences)

• Investigating Anti-Competitive Practices: The CCI investigates violations like cartels, bid rigging, and abuse of market dominance.
• Penalties & Enforcement: It issues cease and desist orders and imposes penalties to deter anti-competitive behavior.
• Consumer Welfare: By ensuring fair competition, the CCI protects consumer interests, promoting healthy market practices.
• Merger and Acquisition Approvals: The CCI reviews mergers and acquisitions to prevent monopolistic outcomes, promoting fair market structure.
• Advocacy & Awareness: The CCI promotes competition law through workshops, seminars, publications, and public advocacy.
• Market Studies: The CCI conducts market studies to identify sectors with competition concerns (e.g., pharmaceuticals, film distribution).

Relevant Facts:

• The CCI investigates anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant positions across industries (Source: Competition Act, 2002).
• It has adjudicated more than 1,200 anti-trust cases and implemented innovations like the Green Channel provision for mergers (Source: CCI Reports).
• The CCI ensures that markets benefit consumers and promotes a healthy business environment (Source: CCI’s Role and Function).

4. Recent Developments and Recommendations (2-3 sentences)

• Mention the 2019 Competition Law Review Committee and its recommendations for enhancing the CCI’s effectiveness, particularly concerning investigation powers, penalties, and appellate authority.
• Reference the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which incorporates many of these recommendations to improve the enforcement of competition law.

Relevant Facts:

• The Competition Law Review Committee (2019) suggested improvements in the Appellate Authority and investigative powers (Source: Competition Law Review Committee Report, 2019).
• The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022 aims to strengthen the enforcement and compliance mechanisms (Source: Ministry of Corporate Affairs, 2022).

5. Conclusion (1-2 sentences)

• Summarize the CCI’s role in fostering fair competition, protecting consumers, and enhancing the business environment.
• Highlight the ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness of the CCI through legislative amendments.

Key Facts for the Answer

1. Composition of CCI:
   • The Chairman and up to 6 members are appointed by the Central Government.
   • Members must have 15 years of experience in fields such as international trade, economics, business, law, finance, or competition law (Source: Competition Act, 2002).
2. Role of CCI in Promoting Fair Competition:
   • Investigates anti-competitive agreements (like cartels) and abuse of dominant position (Source: Competition Act, 2002).
   • Issues penalties, cease and desist orders, and ensures consumer welfare (Source: CCI Reports).
   • Approves mergers and acquisitions, ensuring that they don’t lead to monopolistic practices (Source: CCI Reports).
   • Advocacy Division organizes workshops, seminars, and publications to promote competition law awareness (Source: CCI Annual Report).
   • Conducts market studies to identify sectors with competition issues, e.g., pharmaceuticals, film distribution (Source: CCI Market Studies).
3. Recent Developments:
   • Competition Law Review Committee (2019) made recommendations on improving the CCI’s investigative powers, penalties, and settlement procedures (Source: Competition Law Review Committee Report, 2019).
   • The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022 aims to enhance the efficacy of the CCI by introducing new provisions (Source: Ministry of Corporate Affairs, 2022).

By following this roadmap, you will be able to address the question comprehensively and provide relevant facts with proper sources.