A legal standoff is unfolding as Apple seeks judicial relief against India’s competition regulator over access to its financial records during an ongoing antitrust investigation.
Apple has approached the Delhi High Court to restrain the Competition Commission of India (CCI) from seeking its global financial information while the company challenges the validity of India’s penalty rules. Court filings show Apple wants the investigation paused until the legal question around the rules is resolved.
The case stems from a CCI probe that accused Apple of abusing its dominant position through its App Store policies. Apple has denied the allegations and is contesting the basis on which penalties may be calculated.
Neither Apple nor the CCI responded to queries from a news agency.
Apple has told the court it faces a potential fine of up to $38 billion if the regulator applies penalties based on its global turnover. The company has already challenged India’s 2024 penalty rules in court, arguing that the framework is legally flawed. That challenge remains pending.
Despite this, the CCI issued a private order on December 31, seeking Apple’s financial details. In response, Apple filed a petition on January 15, requesting the Delhi High Court to direct the regulator not to take any action at this stage and to put the investigation on hold. The filing is not public.
Apple argued that being compelled to submit financial records now would undermine its primary legal challenge to the penalty rules. The CCI, however, has defended the framework, saying global turnover-based penalties are needed to deter violations by multinational companies.
The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on January 27.
The outcome of the case could have wider implications for how India enforces competition law against global technology companies operating in the country.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
