India

The Competition Commission of India (CCI), by its order dated 09 June 2026, found four truck associations i.e. Bhadrasahi/Guali Truck Association (OP-1), Bonai Truck and Tipper Owners’ Association (OP-2), Keonjhar District Truck Owners’ Association (OP-3), and Joda Truck Owners’ Association (OP-4) (collectively, OPs), operating in Odisha engaged in anti-competitive practices in contravention of Section 3 of Competition Act, 2002 (Act). The Indian Steel Association (ISA / Informant), alleged that OPs were engaged in (i) fixing freight rates for transporting mineral-carrying goods carriages, even beyond the maximum freight fixed by the State Transport Authority (STA); (ii) not allowing any independent transporter to transport raw materials from the mines; and (iii) using only smaller trucks (6 and 10-wheeler trucks) for transportation, resulting in higher freights and limiting the quantity that can be dispatched in a truck.   The investigation conducted by the Director General (DG) found that the OPs were indeed issuing their own freight rate charts and resolutions to enforce these higher rates, often through concerted action, which in some instances exceeded the STA-prescribed rates by up to 500%. The DG also concluded that the OPs restricted market access by not allowing independent transporters to operate, as evidenced by resolutions granting exclusivity to association-registered trucks and admissions from office bearers that they deliberately excluded new entrants. However, the allegation that the OPs restricted the use of larger, higher-capacity trucks (like 12-wheelers) in favor of smaller 6 and 10-wheelers was not substantiated by evidence, as no systemic restriction was found.   The CCI, in its analysis, concurred with the DG’s findings on the first two issues, holding that the collective fixing of freight rates by the associations constituted a clear case of price coordination under Section 3(3)(a), and the exclusion of independent transporters amounted to limiting and controlling the market for services under Section 3(3)(b) of the Act.   Accordingly, the CCI held all four OPs in contravention of Section 3(3)(a) and 3(3)(b) read with Section 3(1) of the Act. In terms of liability under Section 48 of the Act, the CCI identified specific office bearers of each association who were responsible for the anti-competitive conduct during their respective tenures. Since the OPs and their individuals have failed to provide their financial details, the CCI held that it would consider appropriate penalty to be imposed on the OPs and their individuals upon receipt of such details.   CCI CLOSES PROCEEDINGS AGAINST SEVERAL CHEMIST AND DRUGGIST ASSOCIATIONS, PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY BODIES AND LEADING DRUG MANUFACTURERS   The CCI, by its order dated 29 June 2026 under Section 26(9) of the Act, closed proceedings against the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), its affiliated chemists' associations, pharmaceutical manufacturers' associations, and several pharmaceutical companies, holding that no contravention of Section 3 of the Act was established.   The case arose from an information filed by the President of the All India Chemists and Distributors Federation (AICDF), alleging that AIOCD and its affiliated associations compelled pharmaceutical companies to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs)/Letters of Consent (LOCs) before appointing stockists, mandated Product Information Service (PIS) approvals for launch of new products, fixed trade margins through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) executed with manufacturers' associations, restricted appointment of stockists and engaged in boycott practices against non-compliant pharmaceutical companies. The DG concluded that these practices amounted to anti-competitive agreements and found several associations, pharmaceutical companies and individuals liable under Sections 3 and 48 of the Act.   Upon examination of the DG's findings, the CCI observed that the material relied upon by the DG predominantly pertained to the period 2009–2011, whereas the impugned MoU framework had been formally terminated in 2011. The CCI noted that, pursuant to its earlier orders in M/s Santuka Associates Pvt. Ltd. v. All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists & Ors. (Case No. 20 of 2011), M/s Peeveear Medical Agencies, Kerala v. All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists & Ors. (Case No. 30 of 2011) and M/s Sandhya Drug Agency v. Assam Drug Dealers Association & Ors. (Case No. 41 of 2011), AIOCD had furnished an Affidavit of Compliance and Undertaking dated 03 January 2014 confirming discontinuation of practices relating to NOCs/LOCs, PIS charges, trade margins and boycott of pharmaceutical products.   The CCI further noted that the DG failed to establish any continuing implementation of these practices after the aforesaid compliance undertaking was furnished or demonstrate that NOC/LOC requirements and PIS approvals remained mandatory in practice. Evidence placed on record also showed that several pharmaceutical companies had independently appointed stockists without obtaining NOCs.   In the absence of cogent evidence establishing any continuing anti-competitive agreement or active participation by the pharmaceutical companies, the CCI declined to sustain the DG's findings. Consequently, no liability was fastened on the identified individuals under Section 48 of the Act.   Accordingly, the CCI held that no contravention of Section 3 of the Act was established against any of the opposite parties and closed the proceedings.   CCI APPROVES FORMATION OF JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN MERCURIA AND TATA INTERNATIONAL   The CCI, by its order, approved the proposed formation of a joint venture between Mercuria Energy Netherlands B.V. (Mercuria) and Tata International Singapore (Pte.) Limited (TISPL).   The proposed combination involves Mercuria acquiring a 51% stake and TISPL acquiring a 49% stake in a newly incorporated joint venture entity i.e. JV Holding Co. (Target), to be established in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), United Arab Emirates (UAE). As part of the transaction, Tata International Limited's Indian trading business will be transferred to a wholly owned Indian subsidiary (META India), which will subsequently become a wholly owned subsidiary of the joint venture. The joint venture will undertake commodity trading activities including metals, minerals, agricultural products, and oil and gas.   For the purpose of competition assessment, the CCI observed horizontal overlaps between the parties in: (a) market for trading of coal in India (Coal Trading Market) including its narrow segment of trading of thermal coal in India (Thermal Coal Trading Market); and (b) market for trading of crude oil and refined petroleum products in India (Oil Trading Market) including its narrow segment of trading of refined petroleum products in India (Refined Petroleum Trading Market). The CCI also noted that there were no vertical or complementary linkages between the activities of the parties.   The CCI observed that the combined market shares of the parties in the overlapping markets were in the range of [0–5]%. It further noted that these markets are characterised by the presence of several established competitors. Accordingly, the CCI concluded that the proposed combination is unlikely to give rise to foreclosure concerns or cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition (AAEC) in India.   Accordingly, the CCI approved the proposed combination under Section 31(1) of the Act.   CCI APPROVES MERGER OF INDOVIDA INDIA WITH EPL LIMITED   The CCI by its order, approved the proposed merger of Indovida India Private Limited (Indovida India) with EPL Limited (EPL).   The proposed combination forms part of an internal restructuring of the Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) group. Pursuant to the transaction, certain IVL group entities engaged in the plastic packaging business will first be consolidated under Indovida India, following which Indovida India will merge with EPL by way of absorption. Upon completion of the merger, EPL will become the resultant entity, with Indorama Netherlands B.V. expected to hold approximately 52% of its shareholding.   For the purpose of competition assessment, the CCI observed a horizontal overlap between the parties in the manufacture and sale of plastic packaging in India. While the IVL group is engaged in the manufacture and sale of rigid plastic packaging, EPL primarily operates in the flexible/collapsible plastic packaging segment. The CCI also noted that there are no existing or potential vertical linkages between the activities of the parties in India.   The CCI observed that the combined market share of the parties in the broader plastic packaging market is in the range of [0–5]% and that the market is characterised by the presence of several credible competitors. Accordingly, the CCI concluded that the proposed combination is unlikely to raise foreclosure concerns or cause an AAEC in India.   Accordingly, the CCI approved the proposed combination under Section 31(1) of the Act. Contributors: Kunal Mehra,  Partner and Head of Antitrust & Competition New Delhi [email protected]   Danish Khan, Associate Partner New Delhi [email protected]  

National, June 24, 2026: Sagus Legal has announced two strategic milestones in its growth, aimed at strengthening its corporate advisory capabilities. The firm today announced the opening of its new office at Cyber Hub, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon, and the appointment of Aashima Shrivastava as Partner and Head of Gurgaon in its Corporate, Commercial and Compliance Practice. The new Cyber Hub office positions Sagus Legal at the heart of Gurgaon's most vibrant commercial and professional hub, complementing the firm's existing Gurgaon presence and its New Delhi headquarters. As organisations seek more integrated and commercially aligned legal counsel, Sagus Legal's expanded presence in Gurgaon further strengthens its ability to support clients on complex corporate, commercial, and compliance matters both across India and internationally, and reflects the firm’s commitment to being precisely where its clients are. Together, the new office and Aashima's appointment mark the firm's continued investment in top-tier talent and specialised advisory capability, including emerging technology, AI governance, and digital commercial agreements. Aashima brings over 18 years of experience across corporate governance, labour and employment, cross-border compliance, enterprise risk management, commercial contracting, and strategic advisory. She began her career in 2007, gaining early training and experience at law firms. Transitioning in-house, Aashima held senior legal leadership roles at Boston Consulting Group, where she served as legal lead for India, South-East Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East, working across multiple jurisdictions on high-stakes commercial and regulatory matters. She subsequently led legal affairs for the APAC region at Smiths Group, a global engineering and technology group, where she continued to manage and collaborate with leading international legal practices. Across her career, Aashima has built deep, trusted relationships with premier law firms in the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Australia, and across the Middle East and South-East Asia, that will directly benefit Sagus Legal's clients. Commenting on this Shruti Kanodia, Managing Partner, Sagus Legal said “We are delighted to welcome Aashima to the firm. Her career path gives her a perspective that is genuinely rare. Her expertise will benefit Sagus Legal’s existing clients and bring in new clients into the fold with her excellent skills and exposure. Her deep relationships with premier international practices across the UK, US, Singapore, Australia, and the Middle East will be of immediate and direct value to our clients on cross-border work. Combined with her sharp commercial instincts and compliance expertise, she is an outstanding addition to our practice. In her role as Head of Gurgaon, she will also play a pivotal part in establishing our Cyber Hub presence as a destination for the most demanding clients and matters.” Commenting on this Aashima Shrivastava, Partner and Head of Gurgaon, Sagus Legal said “I am thrilled to join Sagus Legal as Partner and Head of Gurgaon. Having worked with and alongside leading international law firms throughout my career, I know the standards that clients in cross-border and complex commercial matters expect, and I am excited to bring that network and experience to bear here. As businesses navigate fast-evolving areas like AI, data protection, and digital regulation alongside traditional commercial and governance needs, there is a real opportunity to deliver integrated, practical counsel that helps clients move with confidence. The new Cyber Hub office is a statement of intent, and I look forward to helping build it.”

2nd July, 2026, New Delhi: King Stubb & Kasiva successfully represented I-Chrono LLC, a United States-based company operating an online marketplace for luxury watches, before the Delhi High Court in a commercial suit against Fluper Limited concerning the development of its proprietary mobile application and website. The dispute arises out of a series of software development agreements entered into between I-Chrono and Fluper for the development of I-Chrono's digital platform. I-Chrono fully discharged its payment obligations under the First Agreement and also made substantial payments under the subsequent agreements, with the understanding that it would receive complete ownership and delivery of the source code and all related development materials. According to the suit, despite receiving the entire consideration payable under the First Agreement and substantial payments under the remaining agreements, Fluper allegedly withheld the source code and other critical project materials, thereby preventing I-Chrono from independently operating, maintaining, and further developing its technology platform. I-Chrono has contended that such conduct amounts to a breach of the contractual obligations as well as the trust reposed in Fluper as its software development partner. Recognising the urgency of the matter, the Delhi High Court granted ad interim relief directing Fluper to preserve the source code, repositories, project files, credentials and all related development materials. The Court further restrained Fluper from destroying, altering, transferring, disseminating, distributing or otherwise dealing with the source code and related materials in any manner that may prejudice I-Chrono’s rights during the pendency of the proceedings. The order highlights the proactive approach of Indian courts in safeguarding the commercial and intellectual property interests of foreign businesses and protecting them against alleged arm-twisting tactics, including the unlawful withholding of proprietary software assets. The matter is presently pending adjudication before the Delhi High Court. The Plaintiff, I-Chrono LLC, was represented by Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao, along with the King Stubb & Kasiva team comprising Adv. Sukrit R. Kapoor (Partner), Adv. Aayushya Aankul (Principal Associate) and Adv. Kumari Tanya (Associate) before the Delhi High Court. About King Stubb & Kasiva King Stubb & Kasiva (KSK) is a leading full-service law firm with offices across India. The firm advises domestic and international clients across diverse sectors on corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, insolvency and restructuring, banking and finance, intellectual property, technology law, employment law, taxation, and regulatory matters. KSK is recognized for delivering practical, business-focused legal solutions backed by deep industry expertise. Media Contact: Shruti Thapa Corporate Communications Executive King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates & Attorneys Email: [email protected] Mobile: +91-9101333234 Website: https://ksandk.com  

22 June 2026   TLH, Advocates & Solicitors advised CtrlS Datacenters Ltd. in its landmark strategic partnership with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), one of the world’s largest and renowned fund managers, involving a commitment of up to C$ 1 billion in India’s digital infrastructure sector.   The transaction comprises two components: a C$ 588 million equity investment by CPP Investments for an 8.2% stake in CtrlS Datacenters Ltd., and a C$ 441 million joint venture between CPP Investments and CtrlS to develop and operate data centre campuses across India. The partnership positions CtrlS to accelerate its hyperscale build-out as demand for AI and cloud infrastructure in India continues to grow at pace.   This transaction is a strong signal of global institutional confidence in India’s digital infrastructure story and reflects the increasing appetite of sovereign and pension capital for scaled, income-generating assets in the Indian market.     Firm’s Role   TLH acted as legal counsel to CtrlS Datacenters Ltd., advising across the full spectrum of the transaction, including deal structuring, transaction documentation, and competition law advisory in connection with the investment and joint venture arrangements.   Deal Team   The TLH team was led by Founder & Managing Partner Shailendra Komatreddy and Partner Prateek Batra and comprised Associates Anirudh Krishna and Vanshika Gupta, with competition advisory provided by Mathew George.   About TLH, Advocates & Solicitors   TLH, Advocates & Solicitors is a full-service law firm headquartered in Hyderabad, with offices in Delhi NCR and Vijayawada. The firm advises domestic and international clients on complex transactions, regulatory matters, and disputes across a wide range of sectors. Recognized for its legal excellence and client-centric approach, TLH has been consistently ranked and recommended by leading legal directories, including Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, and Benchmark Litigation. For media enquiries, please contact: [email protected] Website: www.tlh.law