Don’t pass final order against Apple till July 15: HC to CCI

NEW DELHI: Delhi HC Friday asked the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to not pass any final order till July 15 in its proceedings against tech giant Apple over allegations of abusing its dominant position on its app store.

The bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, however, clarified that the anti-trust regulator can proceed with the matter in the meantime.

“Lay your hands off till July 15. Proceed with the matter. They will cooperate but you will not pass a final order,” the bench said on Apple’s petition challenging the amendment to the Competition Act, 2002.

CCI’s counsel, senior advocate Balbir Singh suggested the final order could be kept in abeyance and not given effect till the next hearing in court.

The bench pointed out it would complicate the matter as the final order could be appealed against.