Apple vs. CCI: Delhi HC Holds Off Final Orders Amidst Global Penalty Concerns

The Delhi High Court has told the Competition Commission of India (CCI) not to issue a final order against Apple until July 15, amidst a dispute over global turnover-based penalties. Apple challenges amendments to the Competition Act, arguing that global earnings shouldn't impact penalties for app store practices.

The Delhi High Court has temporarily restrained the Competition Commission of India (CCI) from issuing a final order against Apple in an ongoing investigation into the company's alleged abuse of its app store position. The court's directive will remain in place until a July 15 hearing, allowing the investigation to continue without concluding penalties.

Apple is contesting amendments to the Competition Act that permit the CCI to impose fines based on a company's global turnover. This legal challenge argues that such penalties should only consider local revenues related to the contested practices, rather than global earnings.

Apple's maximum potential penalty under these amendments, considering its global turnovers, could reach approximately USD 38 billion. The court's pause ensures that further deliberations can occur without the complication of a concluding judgement, pending full cooperation from Apple in ongoing proceedings.