The Indian Competition Authority launches an investigation into two major e-commerce platforms for alleged vertical agreements in the sale of smartphones (Amazon / Cloudtail India)

Looking into the alleged violation of Competition Act based on four alleged practices, namely, exclusive launch of mobile phones, preferred sellers on the marketplaces, deep discounting and preferential listing/promotion of private labels, being followed by two major e-commerce platforms, the Competition Commission of India has directed the Director General to cause an investigation to determine whether the conduct of these platforms has resulted in contravention of the provisions of Section 3(1) read with Section 3(4). The CCI was of the view that the allegations