Google case: CCI's latest order seen as a balancing act

THE COMPETITION COMMISSION of India's (CCI) latest order dismissing the plea of digital entities against Google's updated payment policies seems to have given a fresh hope to the tech giant.

- MANU KAUSHIK

However, experts said that the 'seemingly opposite' order from the competition watchdog barely within a week of another order against Google doesn't give any conclusive advantage to either parties.

Opinions are divided on what the denial of interim relief means.

Anupam Shukla, partner at Pioneer Legal, said that Google has already made concessions on its payment policies in the past, and it would be unfair to expect Google to continue to offer its Play Store app platform to apps for free (Indian or otherwise).

"CCI has not found enough merit in the request of the app developers, and refused to order Google to stop charging fees for the use of its Play Store.

"Ultimately, the parties will have to arrive at a commercial consensus regarding the terms on which the apps can continue to be listed on the Play Store," he said.