In a move set to transform regulatory practices, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has released its draft Competition Commission of India (Conduct) Rules, 2025. This initiative is designed to safeguard sensitive market data and elevate ethical standards within the agency.

The new draft rules, anchored in the Competition Act, 2002 and the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, respond to the critical need for heightened confidentiality. CCI officials, tasked with handling commercially sensitive information, will now operate under a rigorously enhanced framework aimed at preventing ethical lapses and ensuring robust protection of proprietary data.

Industry insiders said the timing of these reforms is crucial. With markets increasingly influenced by rapid technological advancements and global trade complexities, the new rules are expected to serve as a benchmark for regulatory excellence. Experts believe that by tightening internal controls and reinforcing ethical practices, the CCI is not only protecting its operations but also instilling greater confidence among investors and market participants.

30-day window

The Commission has opened a 30-day window for stakeholder feedback, inviting critical industry insights to refine these pivotal guidelines. This consultation period underscores the CCI’s commitment to transparency and its proactive approach in addressing emerging challenges within India’s competitive landscape.

The CCI has also proposed certain restrictions on staff as regards speculation in shares, stocks and investments. 

As market dynamics evolve at breakneck speed, the new conduct rules are poised to set a formidable precedent for regulatory bodies across the nation, reinforcing the idea that trust and integrity are the cornerstones of sustained economic growth, economy watchers said. 

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Published on March 7, 2025