CCI Orders Probe Against Asian Paints Over Alleged Market Abuse in Decorative Paints Sector

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an investigation into Asian Paints Ltd. for alleged abuse of dominant position in the decorative paints market, based on a complaint by Grasim Industries Ltd.'s Birla Paints Division. 

Grasim accused Asian Paints of imposing exclusivity conditions on dealers, obstructing its supply chain, and undermining its market entry under the ‘Birla Opus Paints’ brand. 

The CCI found prima facie contraventions of Sections 4(2)(a)(i), 4(2)(c), and 4(2)(d) of the Competition Act, 2002 and directed the Director General to complete the investigation within 90 days.