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India’s Madison Communications Seeks to Halt Antitrust Probe

By  |  October 9, 2025

India’s Madison Communications has asked the Delhi High Court to dismiss an ongoing antitrust investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), arguing that its executives were questioned unlawfully during raids conducted in March. According to Reuters, the advertising agency claims the questioning took place without legal representation and violated due process.

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    Court documents reviewed by Reuters reveal that Madison’s Chairman Sam Balsara and Executive Director Vikram Sakhuja were allegedly denied the chance “to engage or consult lawyers before their statement was recorded in the middle of the night, in the presence of armed personnel.” The legal filing, made on October 8, marks the first effort by an advertising firm to halt the CCI’s probe.

    Per Reuters, Madison was among several advertising agencies and broadcasters raided by the CCI earlier this year as part of what has been described as the regulator’s most extensive action in the sector to date. Global firms including WPP’s GroupM, Dentsu, Publicis, and Omnicom were also targeted. The investigation reportedly began after Dentsu disclosed alleged industry collusion in February 2024 through the watchdog’s leniency program, which allows reduced penalties for companies that cooperate.

    The company has further argued that the raids became unlawful because the CCI failed to provide a list of seized materials—an obligation under Indian law. “It is a violation of the principles of transparency, fairness, and due process,” the filing states. According to Reuters, both Madison and the CCI declined to comment on the matter.

    Reuters reported that confidential case documents indicate the CCI’s preliminary assessment found evidence suggesting that several firms coordinated advertising rates through a WhatsApp group. The court is scheduled to hear Madison’s plea on Thursday, where the judge may decide whether to pause the investigation or dismiss the petition outright.

    In addition to challenging the raid’s legality, Madison contends that it has been denied access to key evidence. The CCI, however, maintains that Indian law does not permit inspection of investigative records during an ongoing inquiry, as stated in an August letter to Madison included in the court filings. CCI investigations can last for months, and penalties may reach up to 10% of a company’s global turnover or three times its profit for each year of proven misconduct.

    According to Reuters, the watchdog has summoned Balsara and Sakhuja to appear before investigators next week to provide further clarifications.

    Source: Reuters