The Role and Effectiveness of Indian Antitrust Regulatory Authorities in Protecting Consumer Rights in E-Commerce

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in addressing antitrust concerns within the rapidly evolving e-commerce sector. Through a comprehensive analysis of key regulatory actions and significant cases, the study evaluates how well the CCI has managed to protect consumer rights and enforce fair competition in the digital marketplace. While notable successes have been achieved in curbing anti-competitive practices and maintaining market health, challenges persist, particularly in adapting regulatory mechanisms to the pace of technological innovation, accurately defining market dominance in a virtual environment, and handling the global nature of major e-commerce platforms. This paper proposes several recommendations to enhance regulatory effectiveness, including enhancing technological capabilities, updating legal frameworks, and increasing consumer engagement. The findings underscore the need for a dynamic regulatory approach that evolves in tandem with digital market developments to ensure robust consumer protection and market competitiveness.