Search

    Language Settings
    Select Website Language

    GDPR Compliance

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

    Apple’s $38 Billion Risk: Delhi High Court Begins Hearing on Tech Giant’s Challenge to CCI Penalty Rules

    1 month ago

    Yugcharan News | December 1, 2025

    The Delhi High Court on Monday heard Apple’s petition challenging the recent amendments to India’s Competition Act, which allow the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to impose penalties based on a company’s global turnover. Apple argues that this new rule puts at risk nearly $38 billion — about 10% of its worldwide revenue — as the company faces an ongoing antitrust probe related to its App Store policies.

    A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela took up the matter.

    Apple Seeks Relief From Coercive Action

    Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Apple, informed the court that the company has been asked to submit detailed financial data to the CCI by December 8. Apple is seeking interim protection to prevent any coercive measures while the case is being heard.

    CCI Pushes Back

    The CCI, however, accused Apple of trying to shift focus from the App Store investigation.
    According to the regulator’s counsel, penalties must reflect the real scale of global digital companies:

    “A fine of $200–300 million is insignificant for major tech firms. Their practices, even if conducted outside India, can have deep impacts here.”

    Why Apple Is Worried

    Apple says the amendment threatens severe financial consequences. The company earns around $380 billion annually, and a global-turnover-based penalty could be unprecedented.

    Apple’s petition calls the amendment arbitrary, unconstitutional and disproportionate, arguing that penalties should be calculated only on the Indian revenue of the specific business unit involved in the alleged violation.

    The company also highlighted that the CCI has already applied the new rule in another case on November 10, even for conduct that occurred nearly a decade earlier — a move Apple says amounts to retrospective punishment.

    Antitrust Battle Since 2022

    The dispute stems from complaints by Match Group and several Indian startups, which claim Apple's App Store policies are anti-competitive. A CCI investigation last year concluded that Apple engaged in “abusive conduct” in the iOS app market.

    What Happens Next

    The High Court will continue examining whether the CCI can legally impose penalties on the basis of global turnover. The outcome will have major implications for multinational tech companies operating in India, potentially setting a benchmark for future antitrust actions.

    Click here to Read More
    Previous Article
    Palaash Muchhal Makes First Public Appearance After Smriti Mandhana Wedding Postponement
    Next Article
    No Extension from Supreme Court as Waqf Registration Deadline Approaches; Applicants Directed to Move Tribunal

    Related विदेश Updates:

    Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

    Comments (0)

      Leave a comment