18. Duties and functions of Commission.—Subject to the provisions of this Act, it shall be the
duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain
competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade carried on by other
participants, in markets in India:
Provided that the Commission may, for the purpose of discharging its duties or performing its
functions under this Act, enter into any memorandum or arrangement with the prior approval of the
Central Government, with any agency of any foreign country:
Provided further that, the Commission may, for the purpose of discharging its duties or performing its
functions under this Act, enter into any memorandum or arrangement with any statutory authority or
department of Government.]
19. Inquiry into certain agreements and dominant position of enterprise.—(1) The Commission
may inquire into any alleged contravention of the provisions contained in sub-section (1) of section 3 or
sub-section (1) of section 4 either on its own motion or on—
(a) 3
[receipt of any information, in such manner and] accompanied by such fee as may be
determined by regulations, from any person, consumer or their association or trade association; or
(b) a reference made to it by the Central Government or a State Government or a statutory
authority.
4
[Provided that the Commission shall not entertain an information or a reference unless it is filed
within three years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen:
Provided further that an information or a reference may be entertained after the period specified
in the first proviso if the Commission is satisfied that there had been sufficient cause for not filing the
information or the reference within such period after recording its reasons for condoning such delay.]
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the powers and functions of the
Commission shall include the powers and functions specified in sub-sections (3) to (7).
(3) The Commission shall, while determining whether an agreement has an appreciable adverse effect
on competition under section 3, have due regard to all or any of the following factors, namely:—
(a) creation of barriers to new entrants in the market;
1. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 12, for section 17 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).
2. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 13, for section 18 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
3. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 13, for “receipt of a complaint” (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
4. Ins. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 14 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
18
(b) driving existing competitors out of the market;
(c) foreclosure of competition 1***;
(d) 2
[benefits or harm] to consumers;
(e) improvements in production or distribution of goods or provision of services;
(f) promotion of technical, scientific and economic development by means of production or
distribution of goods or provision of services.
(4) The Commission shall, while inquiring whether an enterprise enjoys a dominant position or not
under section 4, have due regard to all or any of the following factors, namely:—
(a) market share of the enterprise;
(b) size and resources of the enterprise;
(c) size and importance of the competitors;
(d) economic power of the enterprise including commercial advantages over competitors;
(e) vertical integration of the enterprises or sale or service network of such enterprises;
(f) dependence of consumers on the enterprise;
(g) monopoly or dominant position whether acquired as a result of any statute or by virtue of
being a Government company or a public sector undertaking or otherwise;
(h) entry barriers including barriers such as regulatory barriers, financial risk, high capital cost of
entry, marketing entry barriers, technical entry barriers, economies of scale, high cost of substitutable
goods or service for consumers;
(i) countervailing buying power;
(j) market structure and size of market;
(k) social obligations and social costs;
(l) relative advantage, by way of the contribution to the economic development, by the enterprise
enjoying a dominant position having or likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition;
(m) any other factor which the Commission may consider relevant for the inquiry.
(5) For determining whether a market constitutes a “relevant market” for the purposes of this Act, the
Commission shall have due regard to the “relevant geographic market’’ and “relevant product market”.
(6) The Commission shall, while determining the “relevant geographic market”, have due regard to
all or any of the following factors, namely:—
(a) regulatory trade barriers;
(b) local specification requirements;
(c) national procurement policies;
(d) adequate distribution facilities;
(e) transport costs;
(f) language;
(g) consumer preferences;
1. The words “by hindering entry into the market” omitted by Act 9 of 2023, s. 14 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. Subs. by s. 14, ibid. for “accrual of benefits” (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
19
(h) need for secure or regular supplies or rapid after-sales services.
1
[(i) characteristics of goods or nature of services;
(j) costs associated with switching supply or demand to other areas.]
(7) The Commission shall, while determining the “relevant product market”, have due regard to all or
any of the following factors, namely:—
(a) physical characteristics or end-use of goods 1
[or the nature of services];
(b) price of goods or service;
(c) consumer preferences;
(d) exclusion of in-house production;
(e) existence of specialised producers;
(f) classification of industrial products.
1
[(g) costs associated with switching demand or supply to other goods or services;
(h) categories of customers.]
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 2
[clause (c) of
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 3
***, 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, 4
[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 5
[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;
1. Ins. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 14 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for “clause (c) of that section” (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
3. 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).
4. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 15, for certain words (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
5. Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for “combination” (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
20
(f) extent of effective competition likely to sustain in a market;
(g) extent to which substitutes are available or are 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.
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.]
3
[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 4
[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:
5
[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.]
6
[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.
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).
3. Ins. by s. 16, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
4. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 17, for “this Act” (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
5. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for the proviso (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
6. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 17, for section 22 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).
21
(3) All questions which come up before any meeting of the Commission shall be decided by a
majority of the Members present and voting, 1***:
Provided that the quorum for such meeting shall be three Members.]
23. [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)].
24. [Procedure for deciding a case where Members of a Bench differ.] Omitted by s. 18, ibid.
(w.e.f. 12-10-2007)].
25. [Jurisdiction of Bench.] Omitted by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 12-10-2007)].
2
[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.
3
[(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.
3
[(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 4
[sub-sections (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 4
[sub-sections (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 4
[sub-sections (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.
1. The words “and in the event of equality of votes, the Chairperson or in his absence, the Member presiding, shall have a
second or casting vote” omitted by Act 9 of 2023, s. 18 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 19, for section 26 (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
3. Ins. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 19 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
4. Subs. by s. 19, ibid., for “sub-section (3)” (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
22
(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 1
[sub-sections (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.]
2
[(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.]
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;
3
[(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.]
4* * * * *
(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;
5* * * * *
(g) pass such other 6
[order or issue such directions] as it may deem fit:
7
[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
1. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 19, for “sub-section (3)” (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
2. Ins. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f. 19-9-2024).
3. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for clause (b) (w.e.f. 6-3-2024).
4. Clause (c) omitted by Act 39 of 2007, s. 20, (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
5. Clause (f) omitted by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
6. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for “order” (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
7. Ins. by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
23
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.]
28. Division of enterprise enjoying dominant position.—(1) 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.
29. Procedure for investigation of combinations.—(1) Where the Commission is of the 3
[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 4
[within fifteen days] of the receipt of the notice, as to why
investigation in respect of such combination should not be conducted.
3
[(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.]
5
[(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, 6
[within seven days] from the date of receipt of the
response of the parties to the combination, 3
[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 7
[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.
1. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 21, for “Central Government, on recommendation under clause (f) of section 27”
(w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
2. Clause (d) omitted by s. 21, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
3. Ins. by s. 22, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
4. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 21, for “within thirty days” (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
5. Ins. by s. 21, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
6. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for “within seven working days” (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
7. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for “within ten working days” (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
24
(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 1
[within ten days]
from the date on which the details of the combination were published under sub-section (2).
(4) The Commission may, 2
[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) 3
[within ten days] from the expiry of the period specified in sub-section (4).
4
[(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).]
5
[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.]
6
[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.]
31. Orders of Commission on 7*** 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 8*** in respect of which a notice has been given under subsection (2) of section 6.
1. Subs. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 21, for “within fifteen working days” (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
2. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for “within fifteen working days” (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
3. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for “within fifteen days” (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
4. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for sub-section (6) (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
5. Ins. by s. 22, ibid., (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
6. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 23, for section 30 (w.e.f. 1-6-2011).
7. The word “certain” omitted by Act 9 of 2023, s. 23 (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
8. The words “including the combination” omitted by s. 23, ibid., (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
25
1
[ 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.
2
[(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.
(4) Where a combination is approved by the Commission under sub-section (3), the parties to the
combination shall carry out such modification within such period as may be specified by the Commission.
(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.
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
1. Ins. by Act 9 of 2023, s. 23, (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
2. Subs. by s. 23, ibid., for sub-sections (3), (4), (5) and (6) (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
3. Sub-sections (7), (8), (9), (10), (11) and (12) omitted by s. 23, ibid., (w.e.f. 10-9-2024).
26
(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, 2
[29, 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].
3
[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.]
34. [Power to award compensation.] Omitted by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007 (39 of
2007), s. 27 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).
35. Appearance before Commission.—4
[1] 5
[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.
6
[(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.]
7
[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;
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).
3. Subs. by s. 26, ibid., for section 33 (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
4. Section 35 shall be numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 9 of 2023, s. 25 (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
5. Subs. by s. 25, ibid., for “A person or an enterprise” (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
6. Ins. by s. 25, ibid. (w.e.f. 18-5-2023).
7. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 29, for section 36 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).
27
(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.]
37. [Review of orders of Commission.] Omitted by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007 (39 of
2007), s. 30 (w.e.f. 12-10-2007).
38. Rectification of orders.—(1) With a view to rectifying any mistake apparent from the record, the
Commission may amend any order passed by it under the provisions of this Act.
(2) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Commission may make—
(a) an amendment under sub-section (1) of its own motion;
(b) an amendment for rectifying any such mistake which has been brought to its notice by any
party to the order.
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the Commission shall not,
while rectifying any mistake apparent from record, amend substantive part of its order passed under
the provisions of this Act.
1
[39. Execution of orders of Commission imposing monetary penalty.—(1) If a person fails to pay
any monetary penalty imposed on him under this Act, the Commission shall proceed to recover such
penalty in such manner as may be specified by the regulations.
(2) In a case where the Commission is of the opinion that it would be expedient to recover the penalty
imposed under this Act in accordance with the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), it
may make a reference to this effect to the concerned income-tax authority under that Act for recovery of
the penalty as tax due under the said Act.
(3) Where a reference has been made by the Commission under sub-section (2) for recovery of
penalty, the person upon whom the penalty has been imposed shall be deemed to be the assessee in
default under the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961) and the provisions contained in sections 221 to 227,
228A, 229, 231 and 232 of the said Act and the Second Schedule to that Act and any rules made
there under shall, in so far as may be, apply as if the said provisions were the provisions of this Act and
referred to sums by way of penalty imposed under this Act instead of to income- tax and sums imposed
by way of penalty, fine and interest under the Income–tax Act, 1961 and to the Commission instead of the
Assessing Officer.
Explanation 1.—Any reference to sub-section (2) or sub-section (6) of section 220 of the Income-tax
Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), in the said provisions of that Act or the rules made thereunder shall be construed
as references to sections 43 to 45 of this Act.
Explanation 2.—The Tax Recovery Commissioner and the Tax Recovery Officer referred to in the
Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961) shall be deemed to be the Tax Recovery Commissioner and the Tax
Recovery Officer for the purposes of recovery of sums imposed by way of penalty under this Act and
1. Subs. by Act 39 of 2007, s. 31, for section 39 (w.e.f. 20-5-2009).
28
reference made by the Commission under sub-section (2) would amount to drawing of a certificate by the
Tax Recovery Officer as far as demand relating to penalty under this Act.
Explanation 3.—Any reference to appeal in Chapter XVIID and the Second Schedule to the
Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), shall be construed as a reference to appeal before the Competition
Appellate Tribunal under section 53B of this Act.]
40. [Appeal.]—Omitted by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007 (39 of 2007), s. 32
(w.e.f. 12-10-2007)