Imran Fazal – Page 6 – storyboard18

CCI to issue notices to India’s top advertisers over media transactions

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has investigated 35 cartel cases in the last five years, minister of finance and corporate affairs Nirmala Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

As the CCI investigation unfolds, industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the potential ramifications for both traditional media agencies and digital advertising players.

Corporate Affairs Ministry: CCI probes 49 Cases, 31 reports filed, 18 under investigations

After reviewing the feedback and terms of the proposal, the CCI acknowledged Google’s commitment to major structural changes under its newly introduced “New India Agreement.”

On February 20, 2024, the CCI (Lesser Penalty) Regulations, 2024, were notified, replacing the 2009 regulations. The LPP framework aims to strengthen cartel detection and incentivize whistleblowing within corporate circles.

CCI stepped up cartel investigations with 35 probes in five years: FM Sitharaman

Notably, last week, the offices of Dentsu, Omnicom, Havas, Madison, IPG, GroupM, Publicis and industry bodies AAAI, ISA, and IBDF were raided over allegations of media cartelization.

The Finance Minister further stated that the Commission has a dedicated division for trend analysis and research across various economic sectors to gain a comprehensive understanding and detect potential anti-competitive activities.

Parliamentary panel calls for unified regulatory framework in media sector

MIB advisory, issued on April 22, references a Delhi High Court order which underscores the importance of making digital content accessible to PwDs.

The Committee acknowledged the Broadcasting Services bill’s intent but emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of stakeholder feedback.

CCI raids: Did Dentsu blow the whistle on India’s alleged media cartel?

Multiple insiders claim that the pressure came from Tokyo, nudging Dentsu’s Indian operations into a confrontation with its peers.

IPL 2025: Irfan Pathan dropped from commentary team over alleged bias

Pathan was excluded following complaints from several Indian cricketers who believe his critical remarks about them are personally motivated.

One player reportedly even blocked Pathan’s number on his phone, upset over comments Pathan made about him during the Australia series.

Supreme Court restores petition seeking ban on opinion trading apps

The Supreme Court will finally begin hearing the much-anticipated case on May 5 involving show-cause notices issued to some of India’s biggest online gaming companies.

Recently, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) formally appealed to the Indian government, urging a ban on opinion trading apps and websites.

Creativeland Asia vs WinZO: RMG firm told to furnish a bank guarantee of Rs 50 lakhs

Storyboard18 had first reported the legal battle on March 5, titled “Creativeland Asia Takes WinZO to Court, Cries Foul Over Misuse of Creative Idea.”

Breaking: Madras HC refuses interim relief to RMG companies, sets final hearing for March 27

Senior Counsel C Aryama Sundaram, representing the petitioners in earlier hearings, asserted that the Tamil Nadu government lacks jurisdiction to legislate in this domain.

WinZO Games’ request to be impleaded in the case was rejected, but the company was granted the liberty to file a fresh writ petition if desired.

CCI raids: Leniency Program blows the lid off media cartelization

Leniency programs reduce fines or offer immunity to the first cartel member who cooperates with authorities, thereby destabilizing the cartel's secrecy.

The CCI also considers “plus factors,” additional indicators beyond mere parallel behavior, such as suspicious timing of price changes or communication records that suggest coordinated actions.