The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has sought comprehensive details from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) regarding digital markets competition.
The inquiry centres around the Digital Competition Bill 2024, a proposed legislation designed to prevent monopolistic practices and establish obligations for large digital enterprises, including news aggregators. The bill aims to create a level playing field and curb anti-competitive behaviour through an ex-ante regulatory framework.
Sources indicate that the committee, led by BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab, has also asked whether ongoing India-US bilateral trade negotiations might influence the bill’s progression.
Concerns have been raised by several industry stakeholders, including the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), who argue that some provisions could have unintended consequences for the digital ecosystem. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is currently reviewing stakeholder feedback.
Additionally, the panel has sought information on the CCI’s resources, including funding, manpower strength, and plans for specialised staffing in its digital markets division. Ensuring adequate expertise within the commission is considered crucial for regulating the rapidly evolving digital economy.
This inquiry signals the government’s intent to ensure transparency and fairness within India’s digital economy, as digital competition remains a key policy focus.
