Delhi HC refuses to stall CCI probe into Publicis Groupe

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday declined to interfere with an ongoing investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) into alleged anti-competitive conduct involving Publicis Groupe., according to media reports. The court was hearing a writ petition filed by TLG India Pvt Ltd, the Indian arm of Publicis Groupe, challenging summons and investigative steps taken in the name of “Publicis Groupe”.

The court reportedly remarked that judicial intervention in matters pending before statutory bodies is typically exercised with restraint. It further pointed out that, in the absence of any formal notice being served on TLG India Pvt Ltd, there was no subsisting cause for the company to seek relief at this juncture.

The advocate representing TLG India reportedly contended that the CCI’s preliminary order mentioned “Publicis Groupe” in generic terms, without specifying any distinct legal entity. He maintained that although the summons were issued in the name of “Publicis Groupe,” they were in fact sent to the premises and personnel of TLG India Pvt Ltd.

Media reports stated that CCI’s counsel challenged the very maintainability of the plea. He argued that under the Competition Act, the Commission is empowered to initiate inquiries against “persons” — a definition wide enough to cover bodies corporate, associations, and entities forming part of a larger corporate structure.

In its affidavit, the regulator reportedly clarified that the notice had been served on Publicis Groupe S.A. in France. It asserted that TLG India Pvt Ltd was not under investigation and, consequently, had no standing to seek relief from the High Court. The Commission further maintained that any objections or concerns should be placed before it through the prescribed procedural channels.

Earlier, hearing the case, the Delhi High Court reportedly asked the CCI to submit its reply on a plea filed by TLG India, representing Publicis Groupe India, questioning its actions in an antitrust investigation into alleged cartelisation in the advertising industry. According to reports, the court has given the CCI two weeks’ time to submit its reply.