<h1>CCI Orders Eight Firms to Cease Bid Rigging in Eastern Railway Tenders, Violating Sections 3(3)(a) & 3(3)(d.</h1> The Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued a cease and desist order against eight firms for bid rigging and cartelization in tenders by Eastern Railway. These firms violated Sections 3(3)(a) and 3(3)(d) of the Competition Act, 2002, by manipulating prices and coordinating bids for Axle Bearings between 2015 and 2019. Evidence included emails and call records. Two firms sought lesser penalties by cooperating with the CCI. No monetary penalties were imposed due to the firms' MSME status, their cooperation, and the economic impact of COVID-19. The firms ceased cartel activities after the investigation began.