Google has expressed its appreciation for the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal’s (NCLAT) recent decision to significantly reduce the antitrust penalty imposed on the tech giant by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The penalty, originally set at ₹936.44 crore in 2022, has been lowered to ₹216.69 crore following NCLAT’s ruling.
The case revolved around allegations of Google abusing its dominant position in the Android mobile operating system and Play Store markets. While NCLAT upheld CCI’s findings of abuse of dominance, it revised the penalty amount after reevaluating the company’s turnover and other factors. The tribunal also set aside certain directives issued by CCI, providing partial relief to Google.
In a statement, Google welcomed the decision, emphasizing its commitment to supporting Indian developers and fostering a thriving app ecosystem. “We welcome the NCLAT’s decision to set aside certain directions in the CCI’s order and substantially lower the penalty. Google is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations as we review the NCLAT’s judgment and evaluate our legal options,” the company stated.
The ruling comes amid ongoing legal challenges faced by Google in multiple countries over antitrust issues. The company has reiterated its dedication to adhering to local laws while continuing to innovate and contribute to the digital economy.
This development marks a significant moment in India’s regulatory landscape, highlighting the balance between enforcing competition laws and fostering a conducive environment for global tech companies.
