Published on: 21 August, 2024 19:22 IST
India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a stern internal memo cautioning its staff against sharing information with the media without proper authorization. The memo, dated August 20, referenced a 60-year-old rule prohibiting such communications, highlighting concerns over recent media leaks regarding ongoing cases.
The CCI memo stated, “It has been observed that of late certain information related to the cases (under review) are published/available in the media … this has been viewed very seriously.” The memo, seen by Reuters, emphasized that any breach could lead to disciplinary action, applicable even after an employee leaves the CCI.
The CCI is currently engaged in high-profile investigations involving major corporations such as Amazon, Walmart’s Flipkart, Reliance, Walt Disney, and Pernod Ricard. Notably, Reuters recently reported that the CCI had raised concerns over the $8.5 billion merger between Reliance and Disney’s media assets, citing potential competition risks due to their control over cricket broadcast rights. Earlier in August, the CCI also took the unusual step of recalling two reports alleging competition law breaches by Apple.
CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur did not respond to queries from Reuters regarding the memo. The reminder underscores the sensitive nature of the CCI’s work and the importance of confidentiality in its operations.