CCI Orders Ludhiana Firms to Stop Anti-Competitive Practices

06 Jan 2026 CW Team

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has directed KKK Mills, Ludhiana, and Sankeshwar Synthetics, Ludhiana, to cease and desist from anti-competitive practices after finding them in violation of provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.

In an order dated January 2, 2026, issued under Section 27 of the Act, the CCI held that the two entities had engaged in conduct contravening Section 3(3)(d), read with Section 3(1), which prohibits agreements resulting in bid rigging or collusive bidding.

The case originated from a reference filed under Section 19(1)(b) of the Act by the Competition Policy (CP) Cell of the Master General of Ordnance Branch, Directorate General of Ordnance Services. The reference alleged that KKK Mills and Sankeshwar Synthetics had entered into an agreement that led to collusive bidding in a tender floated for the procurement of woollen underpants.

After examining the material on record, the Commission observed that both firms had quoted identical prices in the tender. It also noted similarities in the timing of submission of financial and commercial bids, as well as comparable patterns of conduct in previous tenders. These factors, the CCI said, collectively established the existence of concerted action between the two bidders.

Based on these findings, the Commission concluded that the conduct amounted to bid rigging, in violation of the Competition Act. In addition to holding the firms liable, the CCI also found the partner of KKK Mills and the director of Sankeshwar Synthetics responsible under Section 48 of the Act, which deals with the liability of individuals in charge of the conduct of a company’s business.

The order reinforces the CCI’s stance against collusive practices in public procurement and underscores its commitment to ensuring fair competition and transparency in government tenders.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Second Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar Advances High Speed Rail

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail (MAHSR) project reached a milestone with the breakthrough of a mountain tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra. Mountain tunnel MT-six measures 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide and will accommodate up and down tracks. The breakthrough follows MT-five near Saphale on second January 2026 and the MT-six excavation was completed from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. The ministry reported that the tunnelling was completed within 12 months. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method is favoured for its flexibility in complex geology and irregular tunnel s..

Modi Government Pushes Atmanirbhar Container Drive With BCSL MoU

The Union Government advanced a plan to create an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). The MoU was signed by key agencies including the Shipping Corporation of India and Container Corporation of India alongside major port authorities and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the presence of senior ministers. The initiative aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026–2..

Ministry Reports Gains In Mobility For Marginalised Communities

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing skill development, education and rehabilitation schemes to promote socio-economic mobility and sustainable livelihoods for marginalised and disadvantaged communities across the country. Programmes target Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes and Safai Karamcharis through specialised implementing corporations and empanelled training institutes. Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana, or PM-DAKSH, provided skill training and placement support through the Nati..