TT Friendly Super League Association Vs Suburban Table Tennis Association (Competition Commission of India)
CCI issues cease and desist order against the Table Tennis Federation of India and its affiliate bodies
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) passed an order dated 12.12.2024 under the provisions of Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002 (Act) against The Suburban Table Tennis Association (TSTTA), Maharashtra State Table Tennis Association (MSTTA), Gujarat State Table Tennis Association (GSTTA) and Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), for contravention of provisions of Sections 3(4) and 4 of the Act, resulting in refusal to deal and abuse of dominance.
The case originated from the Information filed by the TT Friendly Super League Association under Section 19(1)(a) of the Act. The Informant alleged anti-competitive practices by TTFI and its affiliates, including denial of access to table tennis players for events due to a WhatsApp notice issued by the TSTTA General Secretary and restrictive clauses in the TTFI Memorandum of Association.
Based on the evidence available, the Commission determined that the TTFI and its affiliate bodies hold a dominant position in the relevant markets for the organisation of table tennis leagues/events/ tournaments and the provision of services by the players for table tennis leagues/events/ tournaments, in India. The Commission found that the TTFI and its affiliates, through actions such as issuing WhatsApp advisories, public notices, and incorporating certain anti-competitive clauses in their bye-laws, restricted the organization of table tennis tournaments and sought to prevent players from participating in these events, resulting in violation of certain provisions of Sections 3(4) and 4 the Act.
