Setback For Google: NCLAT Upholds CCI’s Rs 1,337-Crore Penalty

Mumbai: The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has upheld the Rs 1,337-crore fine imposed against Google by Competition Commission of India (CCI).

CCI had found Google guilty of abusing its dominant position in the Android matter.

CCI alleged that Google’s Mobile App Distribution Agreement (MADA) with device makers restricted device makers from installing other apps, including those of Google’s rivals.

Google had approached NCLAT against the hefty penalty, but the appellate tribunal for orders passed by CCI rejected the American tech giant’s argument that CCI’s order violated the principles of natural justice.

Google argued before the NCLAT that CCI’s order violated the ‘principles of natural justice’, but NCLAT rejected the argument and upheld the fine, reported ET Now.

NCLAT started hearing the Google Android matter on February 15 following a directive from Supreme Court, which asked the former to decide the appeal by March 31.

Google made the point that pre-installation of its apps on devices through MADA was not unfair, as there was no restriction on installing other apps and there was enough space available for them.

NCLAT directed Google to pay 10% of the penalty imposed by the CCI. The matter will be heard again on April 3, 2023.