Tech giant Google has filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India, challenging the recent order of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) that upheld a penalty of Rs 1,338 crore imposed on the company. Google contests the penalty, arguing that it is unwarranted and that the NCLAT erred in its decision.
The penalty pertains to allegations of unfair business practices and abuse of dominant market position by Google, as determined by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in a previous ruling. In 2021, the CCI had fined Google for alleged anti-competitive practices related to its online search and advertising activities.
Source:- ET
However, Google had appealed the CCI’s decision before the NCLAT, seeking to set aside the penalty. Disappointingly for Google, the NCLAT recently upheld the CCI’s order, affirming the Rs 1,338 crore penalty.
In response, Google has now approached the Supreme Court, seeking to challenge the NCLAT’s decision. The company argues that it has not engaged in any anti-competitive behavior and that its practices are in line with industry standards. Google contends that its search and advertising services have promoted healthy competition and benefited consumers by providing relevant information and opportunities for advertisers.
Google’s move to approach the Supreme Court marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the tech giant and the Indian competition authorities. The case assumes particular importance considering the impact it may have on competition law and the regulation of tech companies in the Indian market.
The Supreme Court will now review the petition filed by Google and determine whether to grant a hearing on the matter. If the court agrees to hear the case, it will closely examine the merits of the appeal and assess whether the NCLAT’s decision was justified based on the evidence and legal principles.
The outcome of this legal battle will have far-reaching implications for both Google and the wider technology industry in India. It will shape the interpretation of competition law, define the boundaries of fair business practices, and potentially impact the operations of other tech companies operating in the country.
As the case proceeds to the Supreme Court, industry experts, legal professionals, and stakeholders will closely monitor the proceedings, eager to see how the court addresses the complex issues of competition, market dominance, and fair play in the digital landscape.
Share your views and comment below
