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 the events, resulting in violation of certain provisions of Sections 3(4) and 4 the Act.

The Commission acknowledged that the TTFI and its affiliate bodies undertook corrective measures to address concerns raised during the investigation, including withdrawal of anti-competitive communications, amending or removing restrictive clauses from their governing documents, and issuing advisories for promoting open competition. In the light of these corrective actions, the Commission issued a cease-and-desist order under Section 27 of the Act and decided against imposing any monetary penalties on the TTFI and its affiliate bodies.

The order was passed in Case No.19 of 2021 - 2021 (12) TMI 1517 - COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA

Abuse of dominance: cease-and-desist order against federation for exclusionary practices, with no monetary penalties imposed. The Commission determined the federation and its state affiliates held a dominant position in markets for organising table tennis events and player services, and found they engaged in refusal to deal and abuse of dominance by issuing advisories, public notices and maintaining restrictive bye law clauses that impeded tournament organisation and player participation; after the bodies implemented corrective compliance measures, the Commission issued a cease-and-desist order and did not impose monetary penalties.