CCI Appoints Rakesh Bhanot as Acting Director General Amid Ongoing Investigations
CCI appoints its former advisor as acting DG to helm investigations
Business Standard
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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has appointed Rakesh Bhanot as the acting Director General, succeeding Ansuman Pattanaik. Bhanot will oversee ongoing investigations, including cases involving IndiGo Airlines and complaints against Google, while the application deadline for the permanent DG position has been extended to May 5, 2026.
- 01Rakesh Bhanot appointed as acting Director General of the CCI.
- 02Bhanot succeeds Ansuman Pattanaik, who moved to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- 03The CCI's DG office is investigating significant cases, including IndiGo Airlines and Google.
- 04The deadline for applying for the permanent DG position has been extended to May 5, 2026.
- 05The 2023 amendments to the Competition Act empower the CCI to appoint the DG with government approval.
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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has appointed Rakesh Bhanot as the acting Director General (DG), taking over from Ansuman Pattanaik, who has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Bhanot's appointment comes at a crucial time as the DG office is handling significant investigations, including a case against IndiGo Airlines for potential abuse of dominant position and complaints from digital news publishers regarding Google's advertising practices. The CCI has extended the application deadline for the permanent DG position to May 5, 2026, allowing more time for suitable candidates to apply. The recent amendments to the Competition Act in 2023 grant the CCI the authority to appoint the DG with prior government approval, emphasizing the need for integrity and expertise in candidates for this role. Bhanot will serve as acting DG until a full-time appointment is finalized.
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The appointment of Rakesh Bhanot as acting DG is crucial for the ongoing investigations that could affect market competition and consumer rights in India.
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