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Apple moves Delhi High Court to block CCI request for Global Financials

Apple has approached the Delhi High Court seeking to halt the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) request for its global financial records amid an ongoing antitrust investigation into the company’s App Store policies. The move comes as the tech giant contests allegations that it has abused its dominant market position in India.

In court filings, Apple requested the High Court to direct the CCI not to pursue its financial data at this stage and to place the investigation on hold. The company argues that complying with the information request before the court resolves the legality of the penalty framework would undermine its broader legal challenge. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on January 27.

Potential Penalties and Legal Arguments

The dispute centers on the framework used to calculate potential fines for alleged antitrust violations. Apple has indicated that penalties could reach up to $38 billion if they are calculated based on its global turnover. The CCI issued a private order on December 31 seeking Apple’s financial details, while the company’s challenge to the 2024 penalty rules remains pending.

Apple maintains that it has not violated competition laws and is contesting both the validity of the penalties and the methodology used to assess them. In filings dated January 15, the company argued that being compelled to provide global financial information prematurely would prejudice its case.

Broader Implications for App Store Regulation

The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of global technology companies in India and the regulatory challenges they face concerning digital marketplaces. The upcoming court hearing will be crucial in determining whether the CCI can enforce its request for Apple’s international financial data while the company’s legal challenge to the penalty rules is still unresolved.

The outcome could have significant implications not only for Apple but also for other multinational technology firms operating in India, particularly in the context of antitrust enforcement and cross-border data compliance. The court’s decision may set a precedent for how global financial information can be sought by Indian regulators in ongoing investigations.