Supreme Court Justice Highlights Balance Between Law and Innovation in Digital Competition Bill

Supreme Court judge Hima Kohli has emphasized that the Constitution of India is the foundational basis for all legislation and that modern laws, including the proposed Digital Competition Bill, 2024, must adhere to constitutional principles of checks and balances. Justice Kohli made these remarks at an event titled 'Taking Stock: Evaluating the Progress of India's Draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024' held at the India Habitat Centre.

Justice Kohli pointed out that India, as the second-largest internet market with 881 million users, faces critical issues in the digital market such as preferential pricing, deep discounting, and the accumulation and use of big data. She stressed that the new Bill must address these concerns effectively.

She also underscored the importance of considering industry concerns, ensuring market competitiveness without stifling innovation, and learning from other antitrust regulators globally. Kohli highlighted the Bill's key features, including empowering the Competition Commission of India to regulate significant digital enterprises, while balancing these regulations with the need to inspire innovation and offer consumer choices.

(With inputs from agencies.)