Investigation agency in India denies access to case files in probe involving advertising companies, leading to lawsuits by Publicis.
In a significant legal move, Publicis Groupe has filed a lawsuit against India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI), challenging the regulator's denial of access to crucial case files in an ongoing antitrust investigation into alleged price-fixing and cartel behaviour in the advertising sector [1][2][3][4][5].
The lawsuit, filed by TLG India, which houses the majority of Publicis' advertising business in India, seeks a court order to compel the CCI to provide access to the investigation records. Publicis argues that without these files, its Indian operations and staff cannot understand the specific allegations or prepare an adequate defense [1][2][3].
The antitrust probe, launched by the CCI in March 2025, targets major advertising agencies including Publicis, WPP’s GroupM, Dentsu, Omnicom, Havas, Madison, and IPG [1][3][4]. It was triggered by disclosures made by Dentsu in February 2024 under the CCI’s leniency program, which encourages firms to report cartel activities in exchange for reduced penalties [1][3].
The investigation uncovered evidence suggesting that these firms allegedly coordinated pricing through a WhatsApp group, entered into secret agreements, and colluded with broadcasters to block business from agencies that did not comply with the cartel [2][3][4].
Publicis’ legal challenge, filed on August 11, 2025, also seeks to quash a summons issued by the CCI to its South Asia chief, Anupriya Acharya [3]. The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter soon [1]. This lawsuit marks the first formal judicial challenge against the CCI’s conduct in this sweeping investigation, which has created significant disruption in India’s nearly $30 billion media and entertainment industry [2][3].
The CCI did not respond to Reuters queries regarding the case. The media and entertainment sector in India has been shaken by the CCI's actions, with Publicis urging the CCI to halt further investigation until it is granted access to case records [1].
In July, the CCI requested a brief note from Publicis about its business model and coordination with the parent entity. Publicis responded by requesting the CCI to halt further investigation until it is granted access to case records [1]. Details of cartel cases are kept confidential in India.
The CCI has the power to impose financial penalties on media agencies of up to three times their profit or 10% of an Indian entity's global turnover, whichever is higher, for each year of wrongdoing [5]. The court is likely to hear Publicis' case next week.
References:
[1] Reuters. (2025, August 12). Publicis challenges CCI's antitrust probe in Indian court. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/publicis-challenges-ccis-antitrust-probe-indian-court-2025-08-12/
[2] The Economic Times. (2025, August 12). Publicis challenges CCI's antitrust probe in Indian court. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/advertising/publicis-challenges-ccis-antitrust-probe-in-indian-court/articleshow/91771224.cms
[3] Livemint. (2025, August 12). Publicis challenges CCI's antitrust probe in Indian court. Retrieved from https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/publicis-challenges-ccis-antitrust-probe-in-indian-court-11628809578847.html
[4] Business Standard. (2025, August 12). Publicis challenges CCI's antitrust probe in Indian court. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/publicis-challenges-ccis-antitrust-probe-in-indian-court-125081201249_1.html
[5] The Hindu. (2025, August 12). Publicis challenges CCI's antitrust probe in Indian court. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/business/Publicis-challenges-CCIs-antitrust-probe-in-Indian-court/article65703905.ece
In the ongoing legal battle, Publicis Groupe, a significant player in the global finance and business sector, is seeking a court order to gain access to crucial case files from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in an antitrust investigation related to their business in India. The lawsuit, filed by TLG India, which manages Publicis' advertising business in the country, argues that without these files, they cannot prepare an adequate defense and understand the specific allegations against them.
