SC Admits Cross-Appeals in Google Play Store Case

The Supreme Court has admitted cross-appeals in the high-stakes dispute over the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal’s (NCLAT) ruling on Google’s Play Store policies, a case with major implications for India’s digital economy and global Big Tech regulation.

The matter originates from the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) 2022 order, which held Google guilty of abusing its dominant position in multiple markets via restrictive Play Store practices. The CCI found that Google unfairly promoted its own payment service, Google Pay, by making its billing system mandatory for app developers.

In March 2024, NCLAT upheld most of the CCI’s findings while offering partial relief by modifying certain directives. However, it confirmed that Google’s conduct was anti-competitive and detrimental to market fairness.

Google, along with affiliates Alphabet Inc., Google Ireland, Google India, and Google India Digital Services, has challenged the ruling, arguing that its Play Store policies safeguard user security, maintain app quality, and ensure seamless transactions. It denies abusing its market dominance and warns that the CCI’s conclusions could harm the Android ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the CCI is defending its stance, maintaining that Google exploited its market power to stifle competition and limit consumer choice. It says mandatory use of Google’s billing system imposed unfair costs on developers and created a tilted playing field.

By agreeing to hear both appeals, the Supreme Court has set the stage for a precedent-setting case that could redefine app store regulations in India and influence global policy debates on antitrust oversight for technology giants.