Apple has accused the Competition Commission of India (CCI) of exceeding its judicial power in a recent court filing connected to an ongoing antitrust matter in the nation. The contention revolves around claims that Apple has exploited its leading status on the App Store, a claim the company has consistently refuted.
The essence of the disagreement pertains to the determination of potential fines. According to India’s revised competition legislation set to come into effect in 2024, penalties may be calculated based on a company’s worldwide revenue rather than solely local earnings. For Apple, this could result in an astounding $38 billion penalty, which the company has described as “manifestly arbitrary, unconstitutional, grossly disproportionate, unjust.”
Apple has contested the methodology for determining these fines and has petitioned the Delhi High Court to rule the 2024 statute illegal. The ongoing exchanges have caused frustration for the CCI, which has accused Apple of pursuing delays that hinder the resolution of the antitrust case.
Recently, the CCI issued a demand to Apple for the submission of financial records. In turn, Apple has claimed that the CCI has overreached its authority with such demands. In a confidential court filing, Apple called for the Delhi High Court to step in and stop the CCI’s actions, asserting that the commission’s arrangement of a conclusive hearing signifies an escalation in its attempts to undermine the court’s role.
As the situation evolves, both Apple and the CCI have refrained from commenting on the latest developments. The case continues to progress, with significant consequences for Apple’s operations in India and its overall business practices worldwide.