Delhi HC hears Madison’s challenge to CCI raids and DG authority

Next hearing in the case is expected to take place on October 14

by e4m Staff
Published: Oct 13, 2025 7:17 PM | 2 min read

The Delhi High Court on Monday heard a petition filed by Madison Communications Pvt. Ltd. Against the raids conducted by the Competition Commission of India. In the petition, Madison has questioned CCI’s procedures for conducting investigations and the authority of the Director General (DG). The case came up before a bench presided over by Justice Sachin Datta.

During the hearing, Madison contended that the Director General (DG) does not have the autonomous power to include additional parties in the investigation without first obtaining authorization from the Commission.

According to media reports, the counsel remarked that “the CCI acted in a manner akin to the Enforcement Directorate, treating the matter as though it were a criminal proceeding,” further characterizing the DG’s actions as a “fishing and roving expedition.”

The legal representatives further pointed out that the firm has yet to be granted access to the materials that were seized during the investigation.

Next hearing in the case is expected to take place on October 14.

Madison was among several advertising agencies and broadcasters searched by the CCI in March as part of a probe into alleged collusion over media rates and discounts. The investigation is one of the most extensive enforcement actions ever undertaken in the Indian advertising ecosystem.

The CCI investigation was triggered by information submitted under its leniency programme in early 2024, reportedly by dentsu. Preliminary findings had suggested that several leading agencies may have coordinated pricing strategies through informal channels, including messaging platforms.