Topics Covered: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
CCI to probe Google’s ‘abuse’ of position:
Context:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a detailed probe against Google for ‘abuse’ of its dominant position, primarily with regard to its digital payments application GPay.
What’s the case against Google?
Multiple instances of abuse of dominant position including pre-installation of GPay on Android OS smartphones and use of Google Play’s in-app billing as the method of payment by developers.
What next?
CCI is of the prima facie view that the opposite parties have contravened various provisions of Section 4 of the Act. These aspects warrant a detailed investigation.
Section 4 of the Competition Act pertains to abuse of dominant market position.
Competition Commission of India:
It is a statutory body of the Government of India, responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, 2002 throughout India and to prevent activities that have an adverse effect on competition.
Functions of the commission:
- It is the duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India.
- The Commission is also required to give opinion on competition issues on a reference received from a statutory authority established under any law and to undertake competition advocacy, create public awareness and impart training on competition issues.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- About CCI.
- Functions.
- Overview of the Competition Act, 2002.
- Appeals against the orders of CCI.
Mains Link:
Discuss how competition law is enforced in the country.
Sources: the Hindu.
