The Delhi High Court on Monday gave the Competition Commission of India (CCI) two weeks to file its response to a plea by Madison Communications. The case concerns the CCI’s investigation into suspected coordinated practices in the advertising sector. Madison has approached the court challenging the inquiry, arguing that the investigation has improperly focused on agencies.
The next hearing is scheduled for 8 December.
Madison has alleged procedural lapses during searches conducted by the regulator earlier this year, including questioning of senior leadership without legal representation and limited access to seized material.
The agency was among several advertising firms and broadcasters searched by the CCI in March as part of a probe into alleged collusion on media rates and discounts. The investigation is one of the most extensive enforcement actions undertaken in the Indian advertising industry.
Madison’s petition, filed on 8 October, is the first attempt by an agency to halt the inquiry. The company has raised concerns about the questioning of its executives and the conduct of the search operations. It has also challenged subsequent summons issued to its Chairman Sam Balsara and Executive Director Vikram Sakhuja, who are scheduled to appear next week.
The CCI probe began after information was submitted under its leniency programme in early 2024, reportedly by dentsu. Initial findings indicated that several agencies may have coordinated pricing strategies through informal channels, including messaging platforms.
The High Court is expected to consider whether to admit Madison’s plea, which would lead to further hearings, dismiss the petition, or consider temporarily pausing the investigation.
Publicis Groupe had earlier approached the court in August seeking access to case files, though it has not contested the investigation.
