The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to refrain from passing any final order in its proceedings against tech giant Apple until July 15. The case involves allegations that Apple abused its dominant position on its app store.
Court's Directive
A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia clarified that the anti-trust regulator could proceed with the matter in the meantime, but must not issue a final order. "Lay your hands off till July 15. Proceed with the matter. They will cooperate but you will not pass a final order," the bench stated while hearing Apple's petition challenging the amendment to the Competition Act, 2002.
CCI's Suggestion
Senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing the CCI, suggested that the final order could be kept in abeyance and not given effect until the next hearing. However, the bench pointed out that this approach would complicate the matter, as the final order could be appealed against.
The court's decision provides temporary relief to Apple, which has been under scrutiny for alleged anti-competitive practices related to its app store policies. The CCI will continue its investigation, but any final ruling must wait until after July 15.
