Google appeals against Competition Commission ruling

NEW DELHI: Google has filed an appeal against the Competition Commission’s ruling which imposed a Rs 136-crore fine on the Internet major for unfair business practices in the Indian market for online search. In February, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) penalised Google for “infringing anti-trust conduct”.

“We disagree with aspects of the CCI’s decision. So, we have filed an appeal and sought a stay on those findings,” a Google spokesperson said. Appeals against CCI orders are filed with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). The fair trade watchdog’s majority order came after a detailed probe into the complaints filed against the Internet major in 2012.

It was alleged that Google was indulging in abuse of dominant position in the market for online search through practices leading to search bias and search manipulation, among others. “The Commission is cognizant of the fact that any intervention in technology markets has to be carefully crafted lest it stifles innovation and denies consumers the benefits that such innovation can offer.

“This can have a detrimental effect on economic welfare and economic growth, particularly in countries relying on high growth such as India,” the regulator had said in its order.