New Delhi: India’s competition watchdog, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has issued a stern warning to its staff against unauthorized media interactions, as per a report by Reuters. According to the report, a memo, dated August 20, cites a 60-year-old rule prohibiting such communication. This comes amid the CCI’s ongoing investigations into high-profile companies like Amazon, Walmart’s Flipkart, Reliance, Walt Disney, and Pernod Ricard.
The CCI’s decision to emphasize this rule follows recent media reports that revealed sensitive information about ongoing cases. The watchdog has taken a serious view of these leaks, considering them a breach of confidentiality.
Earlier this month, the CCI had raised concerns about the potential anti-competitive implications of Reliance and Disney’s merger, suggesting that it could harm competition in the Indian media market, particularly regarding cricket broadcast rights. This precursor could be a contributing factor to the CCI’s decision to tighten controls on information dissemination.
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The internal memo also outlines the potential consequences of non-compliance. Disciplinary action, including termination of employment, can be taken against staff members who violate these rules. The memo further clarifies that these restrictions apply even after an employee leaves the CCI.
The CCI’s move to reinforce its media policy underscores the importance of maintaining confidentiality in antitrust investigations. By preventing unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, the watchdog aims to ensure a fair and impartial investigation process.
