Apple Moves Indian Court to Block Antitrust Regulator’s Demand for Global Financial Data

Highlights

• Apple has petitioned the Delhi High Court to block India’s antitrust regulator from demanding its global financial records.
• Apple argues potential fines could reach $38 billion if calculated on global turnover.
• The CCI has issued a confidential order on Dec 31; the High Court will hear the matter on Jan 27.

Apple has approached an Indian court seeking to prevent India’s antitrust regulator from demanding access to its worldwide financial records as part of an ongoing probe into the company’s App Store practices. According to court documents, the move comes as Apple separately challenges the validity of the legal framework governing penalties under India’s competition law.

The US-based technology giant is currently embroiled in a major legal dispute with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The Commission has accused Apple of abusing its dominant position through its App Store policies.

Apple has argued that it faces potential penalties of up to $38 billion if the regulator applies a calculation based on the company’s global turnover. The company has already challenged India’s 2024 penalty rules in court and that case is still pending. 

Despite the ongoing legal challenge, the CCI proceeded with the investigation and issued a confidential order on December 31 seeking Apple’s financial information. In response, Apple filed a petition dated January 15, requesting that the Delhi High Court direct the CCI to refrain from taking any action against the company for now and to pause the investigation altogether. The filing is not publicly available.

In its submission, Apple contended that complying with the financial disclosure request at this stage would undermine its primary legal challenge to the penalty framework. The CCI, however, has defended the rules, stating that they are essential to deter violations by multinational corporations.

The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter on January 27.

Apple has denied all allegations made by the regulator. But neither Apple nor the CCI responded to media requests for comment.

FAQS

Q1. Why has Apple approached the Delhi High Court?

Answer. Apple filed a petition to block India’s antitrust regulator (CCI) from demanding its global financial records during an ongoing App Store practices probe.

Q2. What penalties does Apple fear under India’s competition law?

Answer. Apple argues it could face fines of up to $38 billion if penalties are calculated based on its worldwide turnover.

Q3. When will the Delhi High Court hear Apple’s petition?

Answer. The matter is scheduled to be heard on January 27, following the CCI’s confidential order issued on December 31.

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