Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Apple Challenges India's Global Turnover Penalty Rules
Apple is in a legal fight with India's Competition Commission (CCI) over how fines for breaking competition laws are calculated.
The CCI wants to use Apple's global income to decide the fine, which could be as high as $38 billion.
Apple says this is unfair and has taken the case to the Delhi High Court.
The dispute started because some companies and NGOs complained that Apple's App Store rules are unfair to smaller app developers.
Apple says it's a small player in India and should only be fined based on its local income, not its global earnings.
The Delhi High Court has asked the government and CCI to explain why they use global income to calculate fines.
The court will decide on this matter on December 16.
Apple is challenging India's antitrust penalty rules in the Delhi High Court, arguing they are unconstitutional and disproportionate.
The CCI's investigation into Apple's App Store practices was initiated by complaints from Match Group, NGOs, and Indian startups.
The CCI found that Apple abused its dominant position by forcing developers to use its proprietary in-app purchase system.
Apple could face fines of up to $38 billion based on its global turnover, which the company argues is unfair.
The Delhi High Court has directed the government and CCI to file an affidavit explaining the rationale behind using global turnover for penalties.
- Who
- Apple Inc. and the Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- What
- Apple is challenging India's antitrust penalty rules based on global turnover in the Delhi High Court.
- When
- The matter is likely to be heard next on December 16.
- Where
- Delhi High Court, India.
- Why
- Apple argues that the CCI's penalty rules, which consider global turnover, are unconstitutional and disproportionate.
- Company
- Apple Inc.
- Regulator
- Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- Issue
- Antitrust penalty rules based on global turnover
- Legal Challenge
- Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002 and CCI’s Determination of Monetary Penalty Guidelines, 2024
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Hearing Date
- December 16
- Complainants
- Match Group, NGOs, Indian startups
Sources
Why Apple is challenging legality of CCI’s antitrust penalty rules in Delhi High Court
Apple's $38 billion dilemma: Delhi HC hears tech giant's appeal against antitrust agency; what's at stake?
Apple case: Delhi High Court gives govt and CCI a week to justify fines based on global turnover
