This blog breaks down how India’s merger control regime is evolving as the CCI tightens scrutiny on M&A deals. From gun-jumping penalties to the rise of the Green Channel and deeper reviews in complex mergers, it explores how regulatory shifts are shaping deal timelines, corporate strategy, and the future of competition oversight in India.

The Asian Paints–Birla Opus dispute offers a sharp window into how India handles abuse of dominance cases. While the CCI has opened a probe, the controversy highlights deeper gaps in Section 26(2A), where vague standards and wide discretion blur the line between repeat claims and fresh grievances. This piece unpacks those ambiguities and the broader challenges that limit effective enforcement.

Introduction In the recent NCLAT proceedings, Meta contended that the Competition Commission of India’s ( “CCI” ) case concerning WhatsApp’s 2021 Privacy Policy relies on hypothetical scenarios and future conduct , arguing that no concrete evidence demonstrates actual harm in the relevant market for online display advertising. This line of reasoning reflects the Supreme Court’s approach in CCI v. Schott Glass  ( “ Schott Glass ” ), which underscores the need for demonstrable