Apple Seeks Court Block on Antitrust Request for Financial Records in India

• Apple filed a petition on January 15 asking the court to halt the entire CCI investigation and prevent action against the company while its legal challenge to penalty rules is pending
• The CCI issued a private notice on December 31 demanding Apple's financial records, despite the company's ongoing court challenge to the underlying penalty framework
• A hearing is scheduled for January 27 at Delhi High Court to address Apple's request to stop the antitrust watchdog's document demands

Summary

Key Development:

Apple has filed a petition with Delhi High Court seeking to block India's Competition Commission (CCI) from obtaining its global financial records during an ongoing antitrust investigation into its App Store practices. The court is scheduled to hear the matter on January 27.

Background:

The CCI investigation has accused Apple of abusing its dominant position on its App Store, allegations the company denies. Apple requested the court to halt the entire investigation while it challenges India's 2024 penalty rules, which the company contests in a separate legal proceeding.

Core Issue:

Apple fears significant financial exposure if the CCI calculates penalties based on its global turnover rather than India-specific revenue. The company argues that complying with the CCI's December 31 request for financial records would undermine its primary legal challenge against India's penalty framework.

Regulatory Position:

The CCI has defended its penalty rules as essential tools to deter antitrust violations by multinational corporations and proceeded with its information request despite Apple's pending legal challenge.

Market Context:

This case represents a high-stakes legal battle between a major U.S. technology company and Indian regulators, reflecting broader global tensions over antitrust enforcement against Big Tech. The outcome could set important precedents for how international companies face antitrust penalties in India and influence the regulatory approach toward other technology giants operating in the country.

Immediate Timeline:

Delhi High Court hearing scheduled for January 27 will be critical in determining whether Apple receives interim relief from the CCI's information demands.