CCI rejects interim relief against Mrs. India Inc in anti-trust case

This is an order by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in Case No. 12 of 2025, rejecting the interim relief sought by an informant against Mrs. India Inc. It matters to citizens as it clarifies that the CCI will not issue interim stays on contractual terms while an investigation is pending, citing that such actions would pre-judge the final outcome.

Who it concerns: The order concerns Rinima Borah Agarwal (Informant), Mrs. India Inc. (Opposite Party, a sole proprietorship run by Mohini Sharma), and the Director General (DG) of the CCI.

What the Commission found or ordered

• The CCI determined that the reliefs sought (staying specific clauses in Participant and Winner Terms and Conditions, and restraining the Opposite Party from restricting participation in other competitions) were in the nature of final reliefs.
• The CCI held that granting these reliefs at the current stage would pre-judge issues arising for determination, as the matter is under investigation by the Director General.
• The CCI disposed of IA No. 148 of 2026, which sought an opportunity of hearing, noting that the investigation was already underway and regulations do not require a hearing for the Informant before rejecting interim relief.
• The CCI clarified that the order does not constitute a final opinion on the merits of the case and does not affect the ongoing investigation.

Also in the document

• The CCI had previously formed a prima facie view that certain clauses in the agreements raised concerns and directed an investigation on 02.06.2026.
• The CCI cited the Supreme Court judgment in Competition Commission of India v. Steel Authority of India Ltd. (2010) 10 SCC 744 to support its decision to reject the interim application.
• The order was passed by a bench comprising Ms. Ravneet Kaur (Chairperson), Ms. Sweta Kakkad (Member), and Mr. Deepak Anurag (Member).