The Competition Commission of India has power to initiate investigation of combination under section 29 of the Competition Act, 2002. What are the different stages involved in the procedure for investigation of combinati

The procedure for investigation by the Commission has been stipulated under section 29 of the Competition Act. It involves the following stages: The Commission first has to form a prima facie opinion that a combination is likely to cause, or has caused an appreciable adverse effect on competition within the relevant market in India. Further, when the Commission has come to such a conclusion then it shall proceed to issue a notice to the parties to the combination, calling upon them to show cause why an investigation in respect of such combination should not be conducted. After receipt of the response of the parties to the combination, the Commission may call for the report of the Director General. When pursuant to response of parties or on receipt of report of the Director General whichever is later, the Commission is, prima facie, of the opinion that the Combination is likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition in relevant market, it shall, within seven working days from the date of receipt of the response of the parties to the combinations or the receipt of the report from Director General under section 29 (1A) whichever is later, direct the parties to the combination to publish within ten working days, the details of the combination, in such manner as it thinks appropriate so as to bring to the information of public and persons likely to be affected by such combination. The Commission may invite any person affected or likely to be affected by the said combination, to file his written objections within fifteen working days of the publishing of the public notice, with the Commission for its consideration. The Commission may, within fifteen working days of the filing of written objections, call for such additional or other information as it deems fit from the parties to the said combination and the information shall be furnished by the parties above referred within fifteen days from the expiry of the period notified by the Commission. After receipt of all the information and within 45 days from expiry of period for filing further information, the Commission shall proceed to deal with the case, in accordance with provisions contained in section 31 of the Act.