CCI has imposed a total fine of Rs.215 crore on Eveready, Indo National, industry grouping AIDCM and their officials for cartelisation in pricing of zinc carbon dry cell batteries.

The fine has been completely waived off in the case of Panasonic Energy India, which was also involved in anti-competitive practices. Invoking leniency provisions, the Competition Commission reduced the quantum of penalties on Eveready by 30%, and Indo National by 20%.

An official release stated, “From the evidence collected in the case, CCI found that the 3 battery manufacturers, facilitated by AIDCM, had indulged in anti-competitive conduct of price coordination, limiting production/ supply as well as market allocation.”

Eveready Industries India has been imposed a fine of Rs.171.55 crore while the penalty on its officials is Rs.53.41 lakh. In case of Indo National, the fine is Rs.42.26 crore on the company and Rs.29.57 lakh on the officials. Furthermore, the penalty on AIDCM is of Rs.1.85 lakh  and Rs.16.09 lakh on its officials.

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