CCI rules out anti-competitive conduct by Samsung

Competition Commission has dismissed allegations that handset major Samsung indulged in unfair business practices with respect to sale and supply of spare parts and equipments for its mobile phones.

A complaint filed with the CCI had alleged that Samsung created a monopoly by restricting sale and supply of genuine spare parts, diagnostic tools, equipments, technical information and so on.

It was also alleged that the handset maker was indirectly determining the sale price of the spare parts as well as repair and maintenance service charges.

Moreover, the complaint had said that such restrictive practices adopted by Samsung in conjunction with their respective authorised service centres resulted in denial of market access to independent repair workshops.

In a recent order, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said that "no prima facie case of contravention of the provisions of...The (Competition) Act is made out against the opposite parties in the instant matter".

The regulator noted that the case was basically a dispute between a consumer and its service provider where consumer alleges deficiency in service being provided.

"The Commission is of the opinion that it does not involve any issue relating to competition which attracts the provisions of the Act," CCI said.

It also ruled that the complainant had not been able to show that the company had violated the competition norms.

The complaint was filed against Samsung chairman, Samsung India's managing director as well as Chief Executive Officer, (South-West Asia Operations).