CCI orders table tennis associations not to restrict player participation in tournaments

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered several table tennis associations to cease and desist from anti-competitive practices such as barring players from participating in allegedly unauthorised tournaments. .The order passed by a coram headed by Chairperson Ravneet Kaur comes after an investigation into information filed by the TT Friendly Super League Association (TTFSL), a non-profit organisation promoting the sport.TTFSL had filed an information in 2021 stating that Suburban Table Tennis Association (TSTTA), Maharashtra State Table Tennis Association (MSTTA), Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and Gujarat State Table Tennis Association (GSTTA) were abusing their dominant positions in the sport.These allegations were premised on the fact that TSTTA had issued a notice discouraging players and clubs from participating in non-sanctioned tournaments, potentially harming smaller organisations like TTFSL. Certain clauses in the rules and regulations of these associations were found to restrict competition, limiting the number of tournaments and player participation..CCI had prima facie said that these policies violated competition laws and ordered a probe by the Director General (DG), who found that these organisations had indeed violated the Competition Act, 2002. The CCI found that the TTFI, as the national governing body, held a dominant position in the market. Similarly, the state and district associations were found to be dominant in their respective regions.The investigation revealed that the associations' rules and regulations had the effect of limiting the number of tournaments and preventing players from participating in non-sanctioned events..According to CCI, the associations used their dominant positions to impose unfair terms and conditions on players and clubs.In light of these findings, the CCI has ordered the associations to stop engaging in anti-competitive practices. The associations have further been directed to amend their rules and regulations to ensure fair competition..The CCI has refrained from imposing a monetary penalty, but instead issued a cease-and-desist order to the associations. It noted,“Restrictive communications.. which are deemed anti-competitive were withdrawn. Furthermore, the OP (associations) have amended or removed restrictive clauses in their MoAs/Constitution/Byelaws including provisions that prohibited participation in unauthorized tournaments and imposed penalties on players and associations. Additionally, OP-3 issued a clarificatory circular advising its affiliates to avoid penalizing participants in unaffiliated events, reflecting a shift towards fostering open competition.”While the associations have taken steps to address the issues raised, the CCI has warned that any future violations could result in more severe penalties, including fines for both the organisations and their individual officers..The TT associations were represented by Advocates Karan Pratap Singh, Tarandeep Singh, Karan Singh Chandhiok, Mehul Parti, Uday Bali, Saumya Sunidhi, Prateek Kumar and Arjun Suresh..[Read Order].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.