CCI passes order against Amateur Baseball Federation over violation of Competition Act sec 4
Jun 04, 2022
New Delhi [India], June 4 : The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Friday passed a cease and desist order against the Amateur Baseball Federation of India (ABFI), after it was found to be in violation of the provisions of Section 4 of The Competition Act, 2002, which proscribe abuse of dominance, said a press release by Competition Commission of India.
The commission passed the order under the provisions of Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002 ('Act'), added the press release.
"The Competition Commission of India (CCI) passed an order dated 03.06.2022 under the provisions of Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002 ('Act') against the Amateur Baseball Federation of India (ABFI), finding it to be in violation of the provisions of Section 4 of the Act, which proscribe abuse of dominance," as per the statement.
The case was initiated on the basis of information filed by the Confederation of Professional Baseball Softball Clubs (CPBSC) under Section 19(1)(a) of the Act, against ABFI alleging inter alia contravention of the provisions of Section 4 of the Act. As per information, ABFI by way of communications dated January 7, 2021, sent to its affiliated State Baseball Associations requested them not to entertain unrecognized bodies and not allow state-level players to participate in any of the tournaments organised by them.
Based on evidence on record, the Commission found ABFI to be in a dominant position in the relevant market of organization of baseball leagues/events/ tournaments in India and further ABFI issued a communication dated January 7, 2021, to its affiliated State Baseball Associations, was found to have contravened the provisions of Sections (4)(2)(a)(i), 4(2)(b)(i), and 4(2)(c) of the Act.
Against this backdrop, the Commission issued a cease and desist order against ABFI; however, the Commission refrained from imposing any monetary penalty considering ABFI has already withdrawn the impugned letter, and to that extent, the necessary market correction has already taken place.
