The Competition Commission of India has imposed a total penalty of ₹14.28 crore on HP India and 16 resellers after finding them guilty of cartelisation in the sale of print hardware consumables. The regulator said HP India played a central role in the arrangement and directed all parties to stop anti-competitive practices

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a total penalty of ₹14.28 crore on HP India and 16 of its resellers after finding them guilty of cartelisation in the sale and supply of print hardware consumables, including toner, cartridges and other products used with printing devices.

According to the regulator’s order, HP India has been fined ₹11.98 crore, while the 16 resellers have collectively been penalised around ₹2.30 crore.

The CCI has also directed the company and the resellers to cease and desist from engaging in any anti-competitive conduct in the future.

The proceedings were initiated after HP India filed a lesser penalty application under Section 46 of the Competition Act, alleging cartelisation involving the company and its reseller network.