In a fastest growing digital economy like India, it is essential that nation should have its own digital commerce platform. This research paper presents a critical analysis of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India. The ONDC is a government initiative that aims to create an open, transparent, and interoperable network for digital commerce, with the goal of promoting innovation, competition, and consumer choice in the e-commerce sector. The paper examines the ONDC from various perspectives, including its potential benefits, challenges, and risks. It analyses the key features of the ONDC, such as its open architecture, common registry, and standard APIs, and evaluates their effectiveness in promoting interoperability and reducing entry barriers for new players. The paper also discusses the regulatory and policy implications of the ONDC, including its impact on competition, consumer protection, data privacy, and cybersecurity. It examines the existing legal framework for digital commerce in India and assesses whether it is adequate to address the new challenges posed by the ONDC. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive and critical assessment of the ONDC, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and providing recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers. The research contributes to the ongoing debate on the role of open networks in promoting innovation, competition, and consumer welfare in the digital economy, particularly in emerging markets like India. However, we also highlight several challenges that must be addressed for the ONDC to be successful, including issues related to data privacy, interoperability, and governance. We argue that the success of the ONDC will depend on its ability to foster trust among all participants in the ecosystem and ensure a level playing field for all.