CCI Dismisses Abuse of Dominance in Ilmenite Market against IREL, Cites No Legal Violations

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) dismissed allegations of abuse of dominance against Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) in the Beach Sand Ilmenite market. 

The Beach Mineral Producers Association accused IREL of unfair terms, discriminatory pricing, and denying market access, violating Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002.

CCI found IREL dominant (90% market share) but ruled no violation of Section 4(2)(a)(i), (ii), or (c).

Investigations revealed no price discrimination or excessive pricing.

IREL, a Miniratna Public Sector Undetaking (PSU), argued it wasn’t an ‘enterprise’ under the Act, but CCI rejected this.

The case highlights CCI’s focus on evidence-based decisions in competition law.