New Interim Head for India’s Antitrust Body’s Investigations Unit

India’s antitrust body, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has announced the appointment of Sanjay Kumar Pandey as the interim head of its investigations unit, according to a government order. This development comes at a crucial juncture as the watchdog intensifies its investigations into alleged antitrust violations by major foreign companies operating in the country.

Sanjay Kumar Pandey brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served at the CCI for nearly 14 years. His expertise is further underscored by his current position as an adviser in the advocacy and international cooperation division of the commission.

An internal order dated November 25, reviewed by Reuters, indicates that Pandey will assume additional responsibilities as the Director General of the investigations unit. The move aligns with the CCI’s ongoing scrutiny of several high-profile global corporations, including tech giants Amazon and Google, e-commerce platform Walmart’s Flipkart, and liquor industry behemoth Pernod Ricard.

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The investigations unit, under Pandey’s leadership, is expected to play a pivotal role in determining whether these companies have violated India’s antitrust regulations, signaling a concerted effort by the CCI to ensure fair competition in the Indian market.

Meanwhile, the search for a permanent Director General is underway, with interviews currently in progress, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter. This underscores the significance of the investigations unit’s role in the broader framework of the CCI, emphasizing the need for stable and experienced leadership to navigate complex antitrust inquiries.

The CCI’s probes into global corporations reflect a broader global trend where regulatory bodies are closely scrutinizing the practices of tech and e-commerce giants.

Source: Reuters