CCI send Google notice over non-payment of penalties
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New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a demand notice to tech giant Google over its failure to pay penalties within the stipulated time. The fine was imposed for its anti-competitive practices.
The watchdog fined Google Rs 2,274.2 crore on October 20 and 25 in two separate cases on the Android mobile system and Play Store policies. Google has filed appeals before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against it. They are yet to be heard.
The CCI had instructed to pay the fine within 60 days of receiving the order. Now, the regulatory body has issued a demand notice and can invoke its powers to recover the amount in 30 days.
"As per the process, based on the outcome of the application seeking a stay on CCI orders, the penalties will become payable," said Google. A spokesperson last week said the company decided to appeal the regulator's decision on Android because it believes it presents a major setback for our Indian users and businesses who trust Android's security features and potentially raises the cost of mobile devices.
The CCI had also ordered a detailed probe three years ago and directed the tech giant to modify its conduct within a defined timeline. On October 20, the regulatory body imposed a fine of Rs 1,337.76 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in relation to Android mobile devices and ordered the internet major to cease and desist from various unfair business practices. Five days later, it imposed another fine of Rs 936.44 crore for abusing its dominant position with respect to its Play Store policies.