FCC

CCI Orders Ludhiana Firms to Stop Anti-Competitive Practices

2026-01-06

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.

Tags :