In an exclusive interaction with businessline, Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), reflects on innovation, start-ups and the future of competition law. As she marks over a year and a half at the helm, Kaur delves into her dynamic vision and strategic priorities for the competition watchdog.

What has been your experience as the chairperson of CCI so far?

It has been an incredibly exciting and transformative journey, filled with both challenges and opportunities. Over the past year and a half, my focus has been on recalibrating the CCI’s priorities to keep pace with India’s rapidly evolving economic landscape. The introduction of significant amendments to the Competition Act, coupled with the complexities of new-age markets, has demanded a forward-thinking and adaptive approach.

Our efforts have been directed towards enhancing institutional capacity, streamlining processes and framing regulations to operationalise the reforms introduced through the Competition (Amendment) Act, including the introduction of commitment and settlement frameworks and implementation of deal value thresholds.

What are the immediate priorities for CCI under your leadership?

My primary focus is to streamline processes on a regular basis through stakeholder consultations in the light of experience gained and difficulties faced and to fast-track anti-trust cases (anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominance) to support a dynamic and competitive business environment. While complex combinations take longer to assess, our average time for merger clearance saw a benchmark of 16 working days during the last financial year.

With the increasing dominance of digital platforms, how does CCI plan to address anti-competitive practices in the tech sector?

Digital markets are a significant focus area for the CCI. We have initiated a market study on artificial intelligence and competition to understand its dynamics better. Additionally, the recent amendments to the Competition Act have introduced tools like commitment and settlement mechanisms that allow for quicker resolution, particularly in digital markets. Introduction of deal value thresholds will help better regulate mergers and acquisitions in this space. Our objective is to ensure a level playing field while promoting innovation.

What is your vision for the CCI in the next five years?

My vision is to position the CCI as a global leader in competition regulation. This involves fostering a culture of compliance, addressing challenges posed by emerging markets and ensuring that our enforcement actions contribute to a vibrant and inclusive economy.

The recent amendments to the Competition Act have been termed transformative. How do you see them shaping India’s competition regime?

The amendments empower the CCI with tools to address challenges posed by modern markets, particularly in the digital economy. Provisions like deal value thresholds and leniency plus strengthen enforcement, while the commitment and settlement mechanisms ensure efficiency. Together, these changes position India’s competition regime among the most forward-looking globally.

What do you see as the CCI’s role in promoting ‘Start-up India’ and ensuring fair competition for smaller players?

Start-ups are the backbone of innovation, creativity and economic growth in any country.  They can face significant challenges when competing against established and dominant players in the market, including unfair practices such as predatory pricing, exclusive dealing or denial of market access. The CCI’s mandate is to prevent such anti-competitive behaviour, thereby safeguarding the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By closely monitoring market dynamics and addressing instances of abuse of dominance, the CCI creates a level playing field where start-ups can compete on merit.

Further, through initiatives such as market studies, advocacy programs and consultations with industry players, the CCI proactively builds awareness about the importance of competitive practices.

In addition, by scrutinising mergers and acquisitions involving dominant players, the CCI ensures that start-ups retain access to critical resources, markets and opportunities for scaling up.

The CCI’s role extends beyond enforcement, creating an ecosystem where smaller players and start-ups are empowered to innovate, compete and contribute to economic development and technological progress in India.

How do you balance the need for competition with consumer protection?

Competition and consumer protection are intertwined. A competitive market ensures better choices, prices and innovation for consumers. 

How can competition law enforcement effectively align with sustainability goals without being perceived as obstructive?

Competition authorities should adopt a proactive stance, targeting anti-competitive practices that hinder sustainability, such as cartels. By integrating dynamic theories of harm, authorities can promote innovation in sustainable technologies. Additionally, balancing sustainability within existing economic frameworks—like consumer welfare and efficiency—can be achieved by recognizing sustainability as a quality parameter. Regulatory sandboxes and international cooperation are vital to aligning competition enforcement with sustainability objectives while ensuring markets remain fair and inclusive.

Could you share a learning experience that has shaped your approach to leadership at CCI?

My diverse experience across sectors has taught me the importance of adaptability and collaboration. At the CCI, I have seen the value of stakeholder engagement, whether it is businesses, legal experts, or economists. My time in public service has instilled a commitment to fairness, which is at the heart of competition law.

What message would you like to convey to businesses and consumers as the Chairperson of CCI?

To businesses, I would say that fair competition is not just a legal obligation but a driver of innovation and growth. To consumers, I assure that the CCI is committed to protecting their interests and ensuring a fair marketplace. Together, we can create a robust and equitable economic ecosystem.

Published on January 23, 2025