NCLAT upholds Rs. 1,338-crore fine on Google, grants partial relief

An appellate tribunal handed out a mixed verdict on Google’s alleged anti-competitive practices in the android mobile devise case – upholding a fine of Rs. 1,338 crore but scrapping conditions like allowing hosting of third-party app stores on its Play Store.

While upholding the fine imposed by the CCI for exploiting its dominant position in Android, the NCLAT struck down anti-trust regulator order that had said Google will not restrict the removal of its pre-installed apps by the users.

Notably, the NCLAT in its 189-page order, upheld CCI’s six directions, including one in which Google was asked to allow the users during the initial device setup to choose their default search engine, and another that made it clear that OEMs cannot be forced to pre-install a bouquet of apps.

Google said it is reviewing the NCLAT order and is in the process of evaluating legal options.

A two-member bench of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has asked Google to implement the direction and deposit the amount in 30 days.