ADIF commends the CCI counsel’s counter to Google’s writ petition challenge.

During the hearing today (Jan 5), Competition Commission of India (CCI) Additional Solicitor General Venkataraman, appearing on behalf of the competition watchdog, made the submission that its investigation arm Director General (DG) has given an assurance that they will complete the ongoing investigation against Google within 60 days.

Google also confirmed to the Court its cooperation with the investigation and the withdrawal of their petition. 

ADIF is represented in this case by Abir Roy and Gautamaditya Sridhara of Sarvada Legal.

Sijo Kuruvilla George, Executive Director, ADIF said:

“Google’s consistent attempts throughout have been to implement their mandatory PlayStore billing policy and to also delay or evade any antitrust indictment. By conveying to the Court that the CCI is expected to complete their investigation in 60 days, the antitrust regulator has essentially checkmated Google’s attempt to delay the overall antitrust investigation process by exploiting legal challenges.”

The commission is of the prima facie view that such a policy is unfair as it restricts the ability of app developers to select a payment processing system of their choice. We now look forward to the CCI report that is slated to be released in 60 days as was conveyed to the high court today. 

Sijo Kuruvilla @sijokuruvilla

Welcome developments across the board. ✅ Mandatory billing policy enforcement deferred. ✅ CCI investigation slated to be complete and verdict / report out in 60 days. ✅ Google directed to cooperate with the investigation by the Court. https://t.co/hgot3W7Ebs

The Fineprint @BQthefineprint

Google Play Billing System to be enforced only by October 31, 2022, company tells Karnataka High Court in ongoing investigation by CCI. Background: https://t.co/QHS9EDabvv https://t.co/xbyAHDVeHS

8:13 AM ∙ Jan 5, 2022

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We exhort Google to fully comply with the antitrust investigation in good faith. We also urge Google to maintain the status quo with respect to Play Store billing policy announcements until the investigation is complete. 

Founded in 2020, ADIF (Alliance of Digital India Foundation) is an industry body for India’s digital startups formed to fully capitalise on the sector’s promise with the objective of its long-term prosperity in mind. ADIF aims to transform the Indian startup ecosystem into the top 3 globally by 2030.

Among the issues ADIF is working on, we are fighting Google and Apple on their app store monopolies.

The Alliance is now 470+ members strong. Join the Alliance of Digital India to become a part of our journey to transform India’s startup ecosystem into the best in the world.