CCI Rejects Complaint Challenging Karate India Organisation's Use Of 'India' In Its Name

The Commission found that the allegations raised did not involve any competition law issues and therefore did not merit further investigation.

In an order issued by a bench comprising Chairperson Ravneet Kaur, and Members Sweta Kakkad and Deepak Anurag, the Commission noted that the complaint primarily involved allegations relating to violations under the Companies Act, 2013, and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports regulations. The CCI clarified that these issues pertained to regulatory compliance, falling outside the scope of its jurisdiction.

The complaint was filed by one Adikessavaperoumal Baskar Sinouvassane, a world-level Karate referee, who alleged that KIO was registered with the word “India” in its name without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate from the Government of India, thereby violating Section 4(3) of the Companies Act.

He further alleged that KIO had defied a 2018 Ministry order prohibiting unrecognised federations from using “India” or “Indian” in their names or conducting national championships.

According to the Informant, KIO also misrepresented itself before the World Karate Federation as the de facto national body, conducted unauthorised national championships, selected Indian teams without government approval, and amended its Memorandum of Association to claim sole authority over Karate sport in India despite lacking official recognition.

After reviewing the case, the Commission concluded that the allegations were outside its mandate of Competition Act, 2002. Finding no prima facie case of competition law violation against KIO, the Commission ordered the closure of the matter under Section 26(2) of the Act.Click here to read/download order