Google case verdict may set direction for tech businesses

NCLAT hearing may conclude by Aug, and matter may move to SC, top lawyers said

- Shouvik Das

T he verdict on Google's competition case in India may set the direction for app marketplaces and Big Tech business models in the country, lawyers said. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is hearing Google's appeal against Competition Commission of India's (CCI) $113 million penalty imposed in 2022. The verdict may also have an impact on Google's Play Store fees.

Two top lawyers said the NCLAT hearing may conclude by August, and the matter may further move to the Supreme Court.

The apex court is already hearing an appeal on CCI's first $161-million penalty on Google in October 2022, and the second order and penalty is likely to join suit, too.

In NCLAT hearings, Google's lawyers have opposed the CCI order on alleged market dominance and anti-competitive practices concerning its Play Store.

At Wednesday's hearing, Google's lawyers said the CCI order was "overbearing", adding the penalty is based on assumptions, and does not prove

how Google's practice has been anti-competitive.

A day earlier, Google had argued that its Play Billing system accounts

for a tiny share of the country's overall payments industry, and that only 3% of all Play Store apps face commissions.