A LEGAL STUDY ON ANTI- COMPETITIVE AGREEMENTS IN INDIA

AUTHOR – M RAJESH* & RADHA JAYASHEELA P S**

* STUDENT AT VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED STUDIES (VISTAS)

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT SCHOOL OF LAW, VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED STUDIES (VISTAS)

BEST CITATION – M RAJESH & RADHA JAYASHEELA P S, A LEGAL STUDY ON ANTI- COMPETITIVE AGREEMENTS IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (8) OF 2026, PG. 624-625, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Introduction

Competition is a fundamental pillar of a healthy market economy. It promotes efficiency, innovation, and consumer welfare by encouraging businesses to offer better products and services at competitive prices. However, when enterprises enter into agreements that distort or restrict competition, the very essence of a free market is undermined. Such arrangements, known as anti- competitive agreements, pose serious threats to economic growth and consumer interests.

In India, the challenge of detecting and regulating anti- competitive agreements is particularly complex due to the diversity of markets and the covert nature of such arrangements. These agreements often occur behind closed doorз, using informal communications or tacit understandings that leave little direct evidence. Recognizing these challenges, the legislature enacted the Competition Act, 2002 to regulate and prevent practices that adversely affect competition.

This article examines the concept, evolution, types, and legal implications of anti- competitive agreements in India, along with the role of adjudicatory bodies and key judicial decisions shaping this area of law.