Why the CCI is getting worried about e-tail wags

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday ordered its Director General to probe Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart for alleged ‘deep discounting’, ‘preferential listing’ and other unfair trade practices. The probe, to be completed in 60 days, may still leave online retailers unscathed. The matter, once a toss between pricing and convenience, now has issues of jobs and international relations at its heart. Mint explores.

What are the online retailers accused of?

Amazon and Flipkart are accused of offering deep discounts on products to buyers through only a select few ‘preferred sellers’. Not all sellers on the platforms are handed this, denying them the opportunity of higher sales.