In a dramatic escalation of its crackdown on anti-competitive practices, India’s antitrust regulator—the Competition Commission of India (CCI)—has conducted search and seizure operations at the offices of Jindal Saw Ltd. and Maharashtra Seamless Ltd., two of the country’s leading seamless pipe manufacturers. The raids, carried out on September 16, 2025, are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged bid rigging in government procurement contracts, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The action signals the CCI’s growing assertiveness in enforcing the Competition Act, 2002, particularly in sectors where cartelization and collusive bidding can distort public procurement and inflate costs for taxpayers. While official confirmation from the CCI is awaited, sources indicate that the raids were prompted by evidence suggesting coordinated behavior between the companies during tender submissions for large infrastructure and energy projects.
The Allegations: Collusion in Public Procurement
Bid rigging, a form of cartel behavior, involves competitors conspiring to manipulate the outcome of a bidding process—often by agreeing in advance who will win a contract, while others submit artificially high or non-competitive bids. Such practices violate Section 3(3) of the Competition Act, which presumes any agreement among competitors to fix prices, limit supply, or rig bids to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition.
According to sources, the CCI suspects that Jindal Saw and Maharashtra Seamless may have engaged in concerted action to divide markets and coordinate bids for government tenders related to the supply of seamless pipes—used extensively in oil, gas, and infrastructure sectors. The investigation reportedly spans multiple contracts awarded over the past two years.
What Happens During a CCI Raid?
Search and seizure operations by the CCI are conducted under Section 41(3) of the Competition Act, with prior approval from a judicial magistrate. During a raid, officials may:
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Enter premises of the suspected enterprise
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Examine and seize documents, emails, and digital records
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Question employees and management
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Secure evidence of communication or agreements that suggest collusion
These raids are typically unannounced to prevent tampering or destruction of evidence. The findings from such operations can form the basis of a formal inquiry, leading to penalties, behavioral remedies, or even criminal prosecution in severe cases.
About the Companies Involved
Jindal Saw Ltd., part of the O.P. Jindal Group, is one of India’s largest manufacturers of steel pipes and tubes, with a strong presence in domestic and export markets. It supplies products for oil and gas, water transmission, and industrial applications.
Maharashtra Seamless Ltd., promoted by the D.P. Jindal Group, is a key player in the seamless pipe segment and has historically competed with Jindal Saw in government and private sector tenders. Both companies have previously raised concerns about Chinese dumping in the Indian market, but now face scrutiny over their own competitive conduct.
Industry Impact and Legal Ramifications
The raids could have far-reaching implications for India’s steel and pipe manufacturing sector, which is already grappling with global competition and pricing pressures. If the allegations are substantiated, the companies could face:
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Penalties up to 10% of their turnover under Section 27 of the Competition Act
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Reputational damage affecting future government contracts
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Compliance mandates, including internal audits and training programs
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Potential civil litigation from affected parties
Legal experts note that bid rigging cases are notoriously difficult to prove without direct evidence of collusion. However, the CCI has increasingly relied on digital forensics and whistleblower testimony to build its cases.
What’s Next?
The CCI is expected to:
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Complete its forensic analysis of seized materials
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Issue show-cause notices to the companies involved
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Conduct hearings and invite responses from the accused parties
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Publish a detailed order if violations are confirmed
The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for future enforcement actions in India’s industrial procurement landscape.
Sources: Competition Commission of India, Economic Times, Mondaq
