Google gets NCLAT relief on four key CCI directives

But appellate tribunal upholds ₹1,338-cr fine

- BHAVINI MISHRA & SOURABH LELE

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Wednesday upheld the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order imposing a penalty of ₹1,337.76 crore on Alphabet-owned Google for misusing its dominant position in the Android mobile device ecosystem, even as it set aside four directions of the competition watchdog that the tech giant had to comply with.

The NCLAT set aside the directions relating to the non-monetary directives that would have forced Google to allow uninstalling of its preinstalled apps Android on devices.

In another relief for Google, the directive that asked the tech giant to allow individual app store developers to distribute their app store via Google Play Store was also quashed. This CCI order was a major concern for Google as it technically allowed other app stores on Play Store.

CCI DIRECTIVES SET ASIDE

Allow removal of pre-installed apps on Android devices

Allow distribution of third-party app stores through Google Play Store 

Allow developers to distribute apps through side-loading

Do not deny access to play services APIs to the disadvantage of OEMS, app developers, and existing or potential competitors

The tech giant is now evaluating its legal options after the NCLAT partially upheld CCIS ruling. "We are grateful for the opportunity given by the NCLAT to make our case. We are reviewing the order and evaluating our legal options," said a Google spokesperson.

It has been given 30 days to comply with all the other directions of the CCI and pay the penalty.

A person in the know said the NCLAT has done a judicial balancing act by setting aside four CCI directions.