International Competition Network (ICN)

About International Competition Network (ICN)

• The concept for the ICN originated out of recommendations made by the International Competition Policy Advisory Committee (ICPAC), a group formed in 1997.
• It was established in October 2001 by officials of 15 competition agencies from around the world.
• The steering committee is the ICN's apex body.
• The ICN, comprising 140 competition agencies, typically provides antitrust authorities with a specialised, yet informal, venue for maintaining regular contacts and addressing practical competition concerns.
• The Steering Group members shall elect a Chair from among Steering Group representatives at the ICN Annual Conference in odd-numbered years.
• It is the only global body devoted exclusively to competition law enforcement and its members represent national and multinational competition authorities.
• It has no formal Secretariat or premises.

Key facts about CCI

• It is a statutory body of the Government of India, was established in March 2009 under the Competition Act, 2002.
• The goal of CCI is to create and sustain fair competition in the economy that will provide a ‘level playing field’ to the producers and make the markets work for the welfare of consumers.
• Composition:
  • It has the composition of a quasi-judicial body, with one chairperson and six additional members.
  • All members of the CCI are appointed by the Central Government. 
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

Q1) What is a quasi-judicial body?

It is an entity or organization that possesses certain powers and functions typically associated with a judicial system, such as the authority to make decisions, resolve disputes, and administer justice in specific areas or within a particular domain. But they do not have all the attributes of a traditional court, such as a complete separation of powers, a comprehensive legal process, or the ability to hear all types of cases.

Source: CCI becomes member of International Competition Network's steering group