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 Urban

23 Jan 2026

9th India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee Meeting Held in Nay Pyi Taw

The ninth meeting of the India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, with a focus on strengthening bilateral trade and deepening economic cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired by U Minn Minn, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Commerce of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.Representatives from relevant ministries and stakeholder departments from both countries participated in the discussions. The meeting covered a broad range of issues aim..

DGCA Launches Digital Pilot Licence Services for ATPL

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) services for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), marking a significant step in the regulator’s ongoing digital transformation of aviation licensing in India. The service was inaugurated at an event held at the DGCA headquarters.Inaugurating the EPL ATPL service, Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said the initiative represents a major advancement in strengthening India’s civil aviation regulatory framework through secure, modern and future-ready digital systems. He con..

Cabinet Extends Atal Pension Yojana and Support Till 2030–31

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to the financial year 2030–31, along with the extension of government funding support for promotional and developmental activities and gap funding to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.Under the approved framework, APY will continue to receive government support aimed at expanding its reach among unorganised and low-income workers. This includes funding for awareness campaigns, capacity-building initiatives and other developmental activities to strengthen ..