The Delhi High Court has directed the central government to submit its formal response in a significant case involving technology giant Apple Inc. The court's order came on Monday, following a legal plea filed by Apple challenging a directive from India's competition watchdog.
Apple's Dual Legal Challenge
In its petition before the court, Apple has mounted a two-pronged legal attack. The primary challenge is against a specific order issued by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). While the exact details of this CCI order were not elaborated in the initial report, such orders typically relate to investigations into alleged anti-competitive practices.
More broadly, Apple has also contested a recent amendment to India's Competition Act of 2002. This legislative change empowers the CCI to calculate financial penalties based on a company's total global turnover, rather than just its revenue generated within the Indian market. This amendment significantly increases the potential financial risk for multinational corporations operating in India.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
The bench hearing the case has formally asked the Centre, represented by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, to file its reply or counter-affidavit to Apple's arguments. This step is a standard procedural move in Indian jurisprudence, allowing the government to present its defense before the court proceeds to a substantive hearing.
The case was reported on December 1, 2025, indicating it is a current and ongoing legal matter. The directive from the High Court sets the stage for a major legal interpretation of the Competition Act's amended provisions.
Implications for the Tech Industry and Beyond
This case is being closely watched by the global business community, especially other large technology firms. The outcome could set a crucial precedent regarding how Indian competition law is applied to companies with vast international operations. A ruling in favor of the CCI's expanded powers would affirm the regulator's ability to levy substantial fines based on worldwide revenue, a move aimed at ensuring compliance from deep-pocketed corporations.
Conversely, a decision favoring Apple could limit the scope of the amended Act and influence how penalties are calculated in future antitrust cases. The court's eventual ruling will have far-reaching consequences for India's regulatory landscape and its approach to enforcing fair competition in the digital economy.
The matter is expected to see further hearings once the Centre files its detailed reply, with both sides presenting detailed legal arguments on the validity of the CCI's order and the constitutionality of the Competition Act amendment.
