SC turns down Google's plea on CCI penalty

Firm gets 7 days to deposit 10% of ₹1,337.7-cr fine

- BHAVINI MISHRA

In a setback to Google, the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to grant it interim relief from the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal's (NCLAT's) order upholding a 1,337.76-crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for alleged unfair and anti-competitive practices related to Android devices. The Bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice P S Narasimha, and Justice J B Pardiwala said the findings of the CCI couldn't be considered at the "interlocutory stage".

"We direct the NCLAT to dispose of the appeal (against the CCI order) by March 31. No interim relief (is to be) granted to Google. Since Google is ready to partially comply with the CCI's directions, we give it one week's time to do so." In accordance with the CCI order, Google has to pay 10 percent of the penalty imposed by the CCI. This it has to do in a week.

Google also seems to have softened its stand on the order given by the CCI.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Google India, said the firm was willing to comply with some directions of the CCI.