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CCI Tackles 54 Antitrust Cases, Clears 146 Mergers in 2025 Amid AI Probe

The Competition Commission of India registered 54 cases concerning anti-competitive practices and received 149 merger filings in 2025. Minister of State Harsh Malhotra informed Parliament that final orders were passed in 38 antitrust cases and 146 merger notices were disposed of. Reforms under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, have streamlined processes, including reducing merger approval timelines and introducing a settlement framework. A significant market study on AI identified key competition risks like ecosystem lock-in and algorithmic collusion.

Key Points: CCI's 2025 Anti-Competitive Cases & Merger Filings Data

  • 54 anti-competitive cases registered
  • 149 merger filings received
  • Green Channel for expedited approvals
  • AI market study reveals competition risks
  • Penalty based on global turnover
2 min read

India's regulator logs 54 cases of anti-competitive practices, receives 149 merger filings in 2025

India's competition regulator handled 54 antitrust matters and 149 M&A filings in 2025, while launching a major study on AI and competition concerns.

"introduced forward-looking reforms to reduce the time limit for approval of combinations - Minister Harsh Malhotra"

New Delhi, Feb 9

The Competition Commission of India registered 54 matters relating to anti-competitive practices/antitrust and received 149 mergers and acquisitions filings in 2025, the Parliament was informed on Monday.

The Commission passed final orders in 38 antitrust cases and disposed of 146 merger notices, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

Moreover, to improve the efficiency, transparency and timeliness of proceedings before the Commission, the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, introduced forward-looking reforms to reduce the time limit for approval of combinations, from 210 days to 150 days, and also introduced a settlement and commitment framework in the interests of faster resolution of competition cases.

According to the minister, to operationalise recent competition law reforms, the government notified various Rules and Regulations under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023.

For penalty determination, the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, provided for the calculation of penalty based on the global turnover of the person or enterprise, he informed.

Notably, the Green Channel route incorporated under the Act facilitates expedited approval of combinations through deemed approval upon filing of notice with the CCI, thereby enabling faster resolution of competition cases.

The minister further informed that the 'Market Study on AI and Competition' was undertaken to understand key AI systems and markets/ecosystems, including stakeholders, essential inputs/resources, value chains, market structures and competition parameters.

It identified key competition concerns, including concentration in the AI value chain due to high upfront costs and access to data and talent; ecosystem lock-in and switching costs, risks of algorithmic collusion through AI-driven pricing algorithms and automated business decisions; self-preferencing across the AI tech stack and AI-enabled price discrimination through the use of consumer data.

The findings include self-audit of AI systems for competition compliance by businesses; improved transparency and reduction of information asymmetry; focused advocacy and capacity building by CCI; continuation of government policy initiatives; and inter-regulatory coordination and international cooperation, said Malhotra.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see CCI is active, but 54 anti-competitive cases seems low for an economy our size. Are we catching all the cartels? The penalty based on global turnover is a strong deterrent, but enforcement needs to be strict and visible.
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Aman W
The AI market study is very timely. Big tech companies already have too much control over data and algorithms. If CCI doesn't act now, we'll see the same monopolies forming in AI. Self-audit by businesses is good, but independent oversight is crucial.
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Sarah B
As someone working in corporate law, the settlement framework is a welcome change. Long-drawn litigation benefits no one. Faster resolution helps companies correct course and focus on business. Hope the procedures are clear and not bogged down by bureaucracy.
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Karthik V
Transparency is key. When big mergers happen, the public often doesn't know the impact on prices or choice. Hope CCI's improved transparency means more information is shared publicly, not just with the companies involved. Jai Hind!
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Nisha Z
The focus on AI is smart. We are a tech hub, and these rules need to be future-proof. Algorithmic collusion is a real threat – imagine apps automatically fixing prices! CCI must build technical capacity to understand these complex systems.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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