Google-CCI Case: Google's Request For Interim Stay On CCI Ruling On Android Dismissed

Google's plea for an interim stay on the antitrust ruling by CCI has been dismissed by the NCLAT earlier on Tuesday.

Google's plea for an interim stay on the antitrust ruling by competition watchdog Competition Commission Of India (CCI) has been dismissed by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) earlier on Tuesday, the media has reported. Earlier in October, India’s antitrust watchdog penalised Google parent Alphabet with $161 million for exploiting its dominant position in the market for Android, which powers 97 per cent of smartphones in the country and is a key growth region for the US tech behemoth.

Google's request for an interim stay was dismissed by a two-member bench today (January 10), says a report by ET Telecom.

The appellate tribunal directs Google to deposit 10 per cent of Rs 1337.76 crore fine, it has also issued notices to CCI and directed to list the matter on February 13, for a hearing over the interim stay, the report added.

Meanwhile, Google argued that implementation of the competition watchdog's directives will hurt its long-standing business model and consumer interests, says a report by news agency Reuters. According to the Supreme Court records, the tech giant filed a challenge against the tribunal ruling on Saturday.

To recall, earlier last week, the NCLAT rejected Google's request for an interim stay on an antitrust ruling that ordered the company to change its approach to its massively popular Android platform. The NCLAT has further directed Google to deposit 10 per cent of Rs 1,337.76 crore penalty.

Google had challenged the CCI ruling in the Android case before the NCLAT and sought an immediate stay on the ruling. In the appeal, Google had challenged the findings as “patently erroneous” and ignoring “the reality of competition in India, Google’s procompetitive business model, and the benefits created for all stakeholders”.