Explain The Competition Act, 2002.

The Competition Act, 2002, is legislation enacted in India to promote and sustain competition in the market, protect consumer interests, and ensure the efficient allocation of resources. The Act aims to prevent anti-competitive practices, regulate combinations (mergers and acquisitions), and establish the Competition Commission of India (CCI) as the regulatory authority responsible for enforcing competition laws.

Key provisions of the Competition Act, 2002, include:

1. Prohibition of Anti-Competitive Agreements: The Act prohibits agreements, arrangements, or practices that have the effect of restricting competition, including cartels, price-fixing, bid-rigging, and market allocation agreements. It also prohibits abuse of dominant position by enterprises in the market.

2. Regulation of Combinations: The Act regulates combinations (mergers, acquisitions, and amalgamations) that may have an adverse impact on competition in the market. It requires parties to notify the CCI and obtain approval before consummating combinations beyond specified thresholds to ensure they do not result in the creation of a monopoly or substantially lessen competition.

3. Establishment of the Competition Commission of India (CCI): The Act establishes the CCI as an independent quasi-judicial body responsible for enforcing competition laws, investigating anti-competitive practices, adjudicating disputes, and promoting competition advocacy.

4. Powers of the CCI: The Act grants the CCI extensive powers to conduct inquiries, summon witnesses, gather evidence, and impose penalties on enterprises found to have violated competition laws. It also empowers the CCI to issue cease and desist orders, impose fines, and initiate proceedings before the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT).

5. Competition Advocacy: The Act promotes competition advocacy by encouraging the CCI to engage in activities aimed at raising awareness about competition laws, promoting voluntary compliance, and fostering a competitive business environment conducive to innovation, efficiency, and consumer welfare.

Overall, the Competition Act, 2002, serves as a comprehensive framework for regulating competition in India, fostering a level playing field, and safeguarding consumer interests while promoting economic efficiency and innovation in the marketplace.