Question : COMPETITION COMMISSION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

(a) Whether the Government proposes to constitute Competition Commission for Economic Development; and

(b) If so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)

(a) &(b)The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has been established on 14th October, 2003 to prevent practices having adverse effect on competition, to promote and sustain competition in markets, to protect the interests of consumers, and to ensure freedom of trade carried on by participants in market, in India, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. However, the full functioning of the Commission has not yet commenced due to legal challenge to the Competition Act, 2002. The Supreme Court, in its judgement dated 20.01.2005 on the Writ Petition filed by Shri Brahm Dutt challenging certain provisions of the Competition Act, 2002, while disposing of the Writ Petition, had allowed the Central Government to make amendments in the Competition Act, 2002, to ensure consistency with constitutional provisions. Appropriate amendments to the Competition Act, in light of the Supreme Court Judgement, are under examination to address the legal issues and facilitate full fun ctioning of the Commission.