India's Court Shields Bharat Matrimony in Google Dispute

MONEY CONTROL - The Madras High Court has temporarily prevented Google from delisting Bharat Matrimony and its affiliate from the Play Store over disputes regarding Google's new payment policy. Bharat Matrimony claims Google is misusing its dominant position in the Play Store ecosystem to force app developers to comply with the uneconomical billing policy. The court has granted a stay until June 1, 2023, giving Google time to respond to the allegations. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) previously imposed a penalty on Google for abusing its dominant position and directed it not to restrict or discriminate against app developers using third-party billing services. However, several Indian startups have accused Google of trying to circumvent the CCI's order with its new policy. The Delhi High Court directed the CCI to consider the startups' pleas, with a hearing held on April 25, though the outcome is currently unknown.