COMPETITION ACT 2002 AND 2018 (AMENDED) AND ITS EFFECT ON GROCERY GOODS AND TRADE IN INDIA

Abstract

Grocery sector is one of the most essential sectors of an economy, as it is required for everyday needs by people of all classes. During Covid-19, this sector has been hit in the worst possible manner. It is continuously growing and is no longer a small sector confined to just local markets, there is a need to protect the small retails from anti-competitive agreement and abuse of dominant power by the giants of the marketplace. The competition has further increased after the grocery sector shook hands with online trading. Though it is growing manifold each day, but at the same time, the small retailers now find it difficult to sustain in the era of globalisation without the use of online platforms, and are at times forced to give discounts and other benefits to attract the customers. Thus, Competition Commission of India has a responsibility to oversee the market and keep a check on these giants who have the potential to abuse their power to gain undue advantage in the market. The paper looks at various aspects of grocery trade and applicable provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.