CCI Withdraws Flipkart Antitrust Report Following Xiaomi’s Objection

CCI Recalls Flipkart Antitrust Report Over Xiaomi Complaint
India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) has retracted its investigation report on Walmart-owned Flipkart over alleged breaches of competition law. This marks the second instance of such a withdrawal by the antitrust regulator, following a similar action involving Apple in August. The move highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the CCI in balancing transparency with confidentiality in its probes.

Xiaomi’s Objection Over Confidentiality Breach
The recall follows a complaint by Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi, which argued that the report contained sensitive commercial information that should have been redacted. In September, Reuters revealed that the report had found Flipkart, certain affiliated sellers, and smartphone makers in violation of competition laws. Xiaomi claimed the document exposed business secrets, prompting the CCI to reassess its handling of confidential material.

Recipients Ordered to Destroy Report Copies
As per an internal CCI document dated October 1, the regulator has instructed all recipients of the Flipkart antitrust report to destroy their copies and provide an undertaking confirming compliance. This directive aims to prevent further distribution of the sensitive information while safeguarding the integrity of future investigations.

Implications for Antitrust Oversight in India
The recall underscores the growing complexity of antitrust enforcement in India, especially in cases involving global tech giants and their local operations. While the CCI seeks to hold firms accountable for anti-competitive practices, the need to protect proprietary data remains a critical concern. As high-profile cases like this unfold, the regulator may face increasing pressure to refine its protocols for handling and sharing investigation reports.