Antitrust Investigation against E-Commerce Platforms in Goods Category in India: A Review from Timeliness Perspective
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Abstract
With the entry of e-commerce, the traditional way in which business was conducted in a marketplace has changed considerably. Although, e-commerce offers a multitude of pro-competitive benefits, yet it is vulnerable to anti-competitive practices owing primarily to its characteristic features such as strong network effects, high innovation rates, fast-changing technologies, etc. In this paper, we review antitrust cases against e-commerce platforms in goods category, in light of the fast-moving nature of online businesses and the importance of timeliness in completion of investigation. We have adopted a doctrinal research methodology in this paper. Based on the findings, we suggest that as per the dynamic situation of markets, it is imperative that a time-bound investigation may be completed so that the true picture comes out. We recommend a holistic investigation by the Director General in such cases and the use of negotiated remedies in the form of settlements and commitments.
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