Competition & Commerce•Ministry of Corporate Affairs•1969 → 2002

Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act, 1969

Status: Replaced

Category: Commerce & Trade

Successor: Competition Act, 2002 (Competition Commission of India - CCI)

Executive Inquest Summary

“Replaced the MRTP Commission with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to promote fair market competition and regulate M&As.”

1. Original Objective & Statutory Design

Instituted in 1969 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to govern competition & commerce. Aimed at addressing core governance challenges and structural priorities of its era.

2. Implementation Architecture & Frontline Delivery

Administered under Ministry of Corporate Affairs through federal coordination, state-level departments, and executive oversight mechanisms.

3. Rationale for Action, Repeal or Replacement

Incompatible with post-1991 economic liberalization; focused on curbing firm size rather than curbing anti-competitive behavior.

Subsequent Legal or Administrative Framework:

Competition Act, 2002 (Competition Commission of India - CCI)

4. Empirical Evidence & Official Documentation

Official parliamentary records, ministry gazette notifications, and statutory review committee assessments concerning Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act, 1969.

Institutional Memory & Enduring Lessons

What Should Be Retained, Redesigned, or Revived?

Status: Replaced. Replacement: Competition Act, 2002 (Competition Commission of India - CCI). Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Verified Administrative & Evaluation Sources

Official Gazette of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Parliamentary Standing Committee Reports (2002)
Law Commission of India & Ministry Transition Notes