Press Release

Competition law regime necessary to safeguard the interests of small market players & attract investments: Suresh Chandra, Central Information Commission, GoI

Competition law regime necessary to safeguard the interests of small market players & attract investments: Suresh Chandra, Central Information Commission, GoI

New Delhi, 20 Oct 2023: At the Bharat Legal Conclave hosted by ASSOCHAM, Guest of Honor Shri Suresh Chandra, Information Commissioner, Central Information Commission, Govt. of India; & Former Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, Govt. of India, offered his legal expertise. He enlightened the audience by saying that whole legal system operates under a scheme and has 4 components- basic principles and values enshrined in the constitution, rights and obligations contained in the various statutes, organization structure of laws and legal personnel.  

Preamble of Constitution emphasized the unity of nation and it proceeds further to define the objective of Indian republic, he added. Increased transparency in law and emphasis of all inclusive approach is the new aspiration for legal structure in India.  

Talking about competition law he added, In developing economy like ours, new competition policy is expected to play a dual role of raising the power of underprivileged economic agents to become participants in the process of competition on the one hand and of establishing the rules of fair and free competition on the other. Fair and free competition is vital for requirement for sustained economic growth.   

Offering his keynote address, Shri Rajiv Mani Additional Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India shared that Indian legal system should be reinvented to meet the challenges of present times and achieve improved reforms and judicial efficiency by 2047 under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. There is a need to examine the existing obsolete laws that hinder the legal framework.  

We should strive to improve the access of justice by use of technology and alternative dispute management systems for ease of doing business. Several parameters can help reduce the compliance burdens for the businesses. Jan Vishwas Bill has decriminalized many laws, taking all stakeholders in mind.  

He further talked about the new reservation system of women in parliament and legislative assembly is a ground breaking step and it is a time to empower young minds with legal education.  

Bharat legal conclave covered the pertinent themes including ESG, Disputes, Digital Competition Law and M&A. 

Other eminent dignitaries at the conclave included Mr. Hemant Sahai Immediate Past Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council for Legal Affairs and Regulatory Reforms; & Founding Partner, HSA Advocates; Mr. Rajinder Kumar Co-Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National Council on Legal Affairs and Regulatory Reforms; & Managing Partner, Kumar Law Associates; Mr. Basudev Mukherjee Assistant Secretary General, ASSOCHAM; Mr Samir Gandhi, Partner & Co-founder Axiom5 Law Chambers; Dr Lalit Bhasin, Advocate Supreme Court of India and Managing Partner Bhasin & Co; Mr Sumeet Malik Director EBC group of companies, Publishers of SCC and SCC online.  

The Corporate and Regulatory Affairs (CRA) E-Bulletin Vol 3 was released by Guest of Honor and other esteemed speakers at the event.