Archive · 5 Aug 2025
Supreme Court Stays Testbook's Suit Against Google Play Billing
Imagine a company called Testbook, which helps students prepare for exams, and Google.
Testbook sued Google because of the fees Google charges app developers in its app store.
Google wants to dismiss the case, saying it's not about unfair competition.
Testbook disagrees and believes Google's fees and policies are unfair.
The Madras High Court initially sided with Testbook.
Now, the Supreme Court has temporarily stopped the High Court's decision while they review the situation, putting the case on hold for now.
Supreme Court stayed a Madras High Court order in a case between Testbook and Google.
Testbook sued Google in July 2023 over its Play Store billing practices.
Testbook challenges Google's GPBS and UCB, which charge 15-30% fees from developers.
Google argued the suit should be dismissed, citing the Competition Act and PSS Act.
The Madras High Court initially refused to dismiss the case, focusing on contractual disputes.
- Who
- Testbook Edu Solutions, an edtech startup, sued Google India. The Supreme Court justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan heard the appeal.
- What
- The Supreme Court stayed a Madras High Court order related to Testbook's suit against Google over billing practices.
- When
- The Supreme Court granted the stay, and Testbook sued Google in July 2023.
- Where
- The legal proceedings involve the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court in India.
- Why
- Testbook is challenging Google's Play Store billing system, claiming it imposes unfair fees and contract terms.
Testbook's Stance
Google's Stance
Billing Practices
Testbook's Stance
Testbook claims Google's billing practices are unfair.
Google's Stance
Google argues the case should be dismissed under competition laws.
- Plaintiff
- Testbook Edu Solutions
- Defendant
- Google India
- Court
- Supreme Court, Madras High Court
- Subject
- Google Play Billing System (GPBS) and User Choice Billing (UCB)
- Testbook Funding
- Approximately $13 Mn
- Testbook Founders
- IIT Bombay alumni Ashutosh Kumar, Narendra Agrawal, Manoj Munna, Praveen Agrawal, Arpit Oswal