CCI directs three Maharashtra liquor trade associations to cease anti-competitive practices
The Competition Commission of India, by an order dated 11 December 2025, directed three Maharashtra liquor trade associations to cease and desist from anti-competitive conduct under the Competition Act, 2002.
Summary
The Competition Commission of India (CCI), by an order dated 11 December 2025 under Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002, directed the Maharashtra Wine Merchants Association, the Pune District Wine Merchants Association and the Association of Progressive Liquor Vendors to cease and desist from anti-competitive conduct. The CCI found that the associations' circulars prescribing margins, discounts, payment and transport terms, and mandatory NOCs before new product launches violated Sections 3(3)(a) and 3(3)(b) read with Section 3(1). Office-bearers were also held liable under Section 48.
Key facts
- Order date
- 11 December 2025
- Issued under
- Section 27, Competition Act, 2002
- Associations
- Maharashtra Wine Merchants Assn; Pune District Wine Merchants Assn; Assn of Progressive Liquor Vendors
- Violations
- Sections 3(3)(a) and 3(3)(b) read with 3(1)
- Office-bearers
- Liable under Section 48
- Case
- No. 43 of 2019
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under which section of the Competition Act, 2002 did the CCI issue its 11 December 2025 cease-and-desist order against three Maharashtra liquor trade associations?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Section 27
PIB 2202509: the order was issued under Section 27; the case began on information under Section 19(1)(a), and office-bearers were held liable under Section 48.
Which of the following was NOT among the associations directed by the CCI on 11 December 2025 to cease anti-competitive practices?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Mumbai Liquor Distributors Federation
PIB 2202509: the order named the Maharashtra Wine Merchants Association, the Pune District Wine Merchants Association and the Association of Progressive Liquor Vendors.