New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) newly introduced settlement regulations are poised to reshape the country’s competition law framework and strengthen the ease of doing business, according to a report by the Policy Consensus Centre (PCC) released on Monday.
The report stated that while the new settlement mechanism ensures time-bound dispute resolution, its effectiveness will depend on clarity, predictability, and proportionality in enforcement. The recent settlement with Google after a long investigation highlighted the practical utility of such frameworks in achieving timely compliance.
“For smaller enterprises, prolonged litigation can be existential, unlike larger corporations that can absorb costs and delays,” said Nirupama Soundararajan, PCC Co-founder and CEO. A fair settlement process, she added, ensures business continuity and a level playing field, particularly in the fast-evolving digital economy.
Experts at the discussion underscored the role of technology and transparency. Shriram Subramanian, MD of InGovern Research, suggested that AI tools could expedite investigations, while Neelambera Sandeepan of Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys stressed the need for robust investigative practices. They agreed that effective implementation and post-settlement evaluation would be key to driving behavioural change and regulatory credibility.
