Overview of Competition Act, 2002

The Competition Act, 2002 is a critical framework for promoting fair competition in India, replacing the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969. It aims to prevent practices having adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers, and ensure freedom of trade carried on by other participants. This course delves into the regulation of anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, merger control, and advocacy roles of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

• To introduce the Competition Act, 2002 and its significance in the Indian legal system.
• To educate participants on legal standards for competitive behavior and market fairness.
• To explore the enforcement mechanisms and roles of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
• To discuss practical implications and compliance for businesses under the Act.

• Understand the scope and application of the Competition Act, 2002.
• Analyze various forms of anti-competitive behavior and the criteria for abuse of dominance.
• Examine the procedural framework for mergers and acquisitions as per the Act.
• Explore case law and practical examples of the Act’s enforcement.

Module 1: Introduction to Competition Law

• Historical background and reasons for the enactment of the Competition Act, 2002.
• Objectives and key principles of the Act.
• Overview of global competition laws for comparative understanding.

Module 2: Anti-Competitive Agreements

• Definition and types of anti-competitive agreements.
• Legal criteria for determining anti-competitive behavior.
• Case studies of significant Indian and international cases.

Module 3: Abuse of Dominant Position

• What constitutes a dominant position in the market.
• Criteria and indicators of abuse of dominance.
• Impact assessments and legal proceedings related to dominance.

Module 4: Regulation of Combinations (Mergers and Acquisitions)

• Legal thresholds for notification of mergers and acquisitions.
• Procedural steps for the assessment of combinations.
• Economic and legal impact analysis of major mergers in India.

Module 5: Competition Compliance and Penalties

• Compliance requirements for corporations.
• Penalties and remedies for breaches of the Competition Act.
• Best practices for ensuring compliance and avoiding violations.

Module 6: Role of Competition Commission of India (CCI)

• Enforcement powers and functions of the CCI.
• Advocacy and advisory roles of the CCI.
• Interaction between CCI and other regulatory bodies.

Module 7: Emerging Trends and Challenges in Competition Law

• Digital markets and new challenges in competition enforcement.
• International cooperation in enforcement of competition laws.
• Future directions in competition policy and law amendments.

• Legal professionals and law students interested in competition law.
• Business leaders and managers in corporations subject to the Competition Act.
• Compliance officers and corporate governance specialists.
• Policymakers and regulatory authorities involved in economic regulation.