CCI orders 17 firms to stop bid-rigging in Assam Police Housing tenders
The Competition Commission of India on 7 April 2026 directed 17 parties to cease and desist from bid-rigging in Assam Police Housing Corporation tenders for electrification of police station buildings.
Summary
The Competition Commission of India (CCI), in an order dated 7 April 2026 under Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002, directed 17 opposite parties, including M/s Purbanchal Enterprise, to cease and desist from anti-competitive conduct in tenders floated by the Assam Police Housing Corporation Limited for internal and external electrification of police station buildings across Assam. CCI found bid-rigging through bid rotation and cover bidding, in violation of Section 3(3)(d) read with Section 3(1), based on evidence such as identical mistakes in bids, identical IP addresses, call records and demand drafts with consecutive numbers. The case began with a complaint dated 10 August 2020 from the Office of the Accountant General (Audit), Assam, and the order was passed in Suo-Motu Case No. 03 of 2021.
Key facts
- Order
- 7 April 2026, Section 27, Competition Act, 2002
- Parties
- 17 opposite parties
- Tenders
- Assam Police Housing Corporation: electrification of police station buildings
- Violation
- Section 3(3)(d) read with 3(1): bid rotation, cover bidding
- Origin
- Complaint by Office of the Accountant General (Audit), Assam, 10 Aug 2020
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The CCI case on bid-rigging in Assam Police Housing Corporation's electrification tenders arose from a complaint by which office?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Office of the Accountant General (Audit), Assam
CCI said the proceedings arose out of a complaint dated 10 August 2020 from the Office of the Accountant General (Audit), Assam.
In its order of 7 April 2026 on the Assam Police Housing tenders, the CCI found the parties in violation of which provision of the Competition Act, 2002?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Section 3(3)(d) read with Section 3(1)
CCI found bid-rigging in violation of Section 3(3)(d) read with Section 3(1), and issued its cease-and-desist direction under Section 27.
Consider the following statements about the CCI order of 7 April 2026: 1. The cease-and-desist direction was issued under Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002. 2. The tenders in question were floated by the Assam Public Works Department. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the tenders were invited by the Assam Police Housing Corporation Limited.