CCI Approves Google’s Antitrust Settlement | 23 Apr 2025

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Google’s settlement proposal in the Android TV case, under Section 48A(3) of the Competition Act, 2002, marking a significant resolution under the Competition Commission of India (Settlement) Regulations, 2024.

Case Background: The case under Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002, alleged that Google abused its dominant position in the Android TV market by bundling the Play Store with its Android TV OS and restricting alternative Android versions.
- Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002, empowers the CCI to investigate alleged violations of Section 3 (anti-competitive agreements) or Section 4 (abuse of dominant position).
Investigation Findings: CCI found Google dominant in Smart TV OS and App Store markets in India, using unfair practices to stifle competition and innovation.
Settlement Process: Under Section 48A(3) of the Competition Act, 2002 ( deals with settlement process), Google agreed to a settlement by removing bundling requirements, allowing OEMs to develop non-Google Android devices, and paying a settlement fee of Rs 20.24 crore.
CCI: It is a statutory body established by the Government of India in 2009 to enforce the Competition Act, 2002.
- This Act replaced the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) on the recommendations of the Raghavan Committee(1999).
- The CCI also replaced the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
- The Competition Act, 2002 (amended in 2023) empowers the CCI to address violations through the Commitment and Settlement Regulations, 2024, allowing enterprises to offer commitments or pay a settlement fee.