In a major setback to Google, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has upheld the hefty fine of Rs 1,337 crore imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The penalty was imposed on Google for its alleged abuse of market dominance by imposing search bias and manipulating ad auctions. This decision has raised questions about Google's business practices and could have a huge impact on how it operates in India going forward.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) recently found that the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) investigation into Google's conduct was not in violation of the principle of natural justice. This ruling is important for companies as it establishes a precedent allowing companies to challenge any investigation conducted by the CCI if they believe it violates their rights. The NCLAT's decision also serves as an important reminder that even powerful entities such as Google must abide by the law, and that no company is above scrutiny.
The Appellant, Google India Private Limited, has been allowed to deposit the penalty as per the previous order of January 4 after adjusting 10 per cent of the amount already deposited. This decision was taken after careful consideration and upholding of the imposed penalty. As a result, Google India Private Limited has been given a period of time to deposit the adjusted amount, thus allowing them to comply with the order without any further delays.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) recently ordered Google to implement certain measures in order to ensure fair competition in the digital landscape. This order was further upheld by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), granting Google 30 days time to comply. This landmark decision is likely to have a significant impact on the way digital businesses operate in India, as it will ensure a level playing field for all players.