CCI rejects complaint against HP calling it a 'purely consumer issue'

The Competition Commission has dismissed allegations that PC maker HP resorted to anti-competitive practices in a case related to sale of a defective laptop and deficiency in after-sales service. Terming the dispute as a "purely consumer issue", the Competition Commission of India (CCI) rejected the complaint, saying there is no competition issue involved.

It was alleged that Hewlett Packard (HP) indulged in anti-competitive practices and abused its dominant position by selling a defective, spurious and sub-standard laptop to the informant and did not provide the desired after-sale services. Further, the complainant alleged that HP, in connivance with its dealers, was selling sub-standard products made in China causing serious damage to consumers' interests in India.

The watchdog noted that there are other leading players in the relevant market and the consumers have adequate choice and therefore, HP "does not enjoy a position of strength required to operate independently of market forces".

Besides, CCI observed that the dispute appears to be a consumer issue for which the informant may approach the appropriate forum as there is no competition issue involved in the matter. "The information also does not disclose any kind of agreement that can be considered as anti-competitive," CCI said in a recent order.