Google LLC informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that arguments in the case concerning the company’s alleged anti-competitive practices in relation to Android mobile devices could take around five to six days.
The case stems from a March 29 ruling last year by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which delivered a mixed verdict. The NCLAT upheld a fine of ₹1,338 crore against Google but overturned conditions, such as allowing third-party app stores on its Play Store.
The Supreme Court is currently handling cross-appeals from both Google and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding the NCLAT’s verdict on the tech giant’s alleged monopolistic practices.
A bench composed of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra has already listed the cross-appeals for hearing on Thursday. However, due to part-heard matters, the hearing may be delayed. Senior advocate Harish Salve, representing Google, stated that the hearing could extend over five to six days. In response, the Chief Justice remarked that the case would retain its place on the list and would be addressed accordingly.
In July, the Supreme Court scheduled the hearing for September, appointing lawyer Sameer Bansal as the nodal counsel to prepare common digital pleadings for both parties to facilitate the hearing.
Previously, the NCLAT upheld the CCI’s fine against Google for abusing its dominant position with Android but rejected other directives, including a condition preventing Google from restricting users from uninstalling pre-installed apps. Both Google and the CCI subsequently appealed the NCLAT’s decision to the Supreme Court.
The case traces back to October 2022, when the CCI fined Google ₹1,337.76 crore for engaging in anti-competitive practices concerning Android mobile devices. Google was also ordered to stop its unfair business practices by the regulatory body.
