Google Challenges NCLAT Verdict in Supreme Court Over Android Ecosystem Abuse

Google has officially appealed to the Supreme Court of India against the March 2025 ruling by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which had partially upheld the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) findings that the tech giant abused its dominance in the Android ecosystem, reported Bar & Bench. 

Key Allegations Upheld by NCLAT

Unfair Play Store policies: Google was found to have imposed mandatory use of Google Play Billing System (GPBS) on app developers, while exempting its own apps like YouTube.

Promotion of Google Pay: The tribunal concluded that Google leveraged its dominance in licensable smartphone OS and app store markets to promote Google Pay, violating Section 4(2)(e) of the Competition Act.

Unfair conditions on developers: Mandatory use of GPBS was deemed discriminatory under Section 4(2)(a)(i).

Penalty Recalibration

• Original CCI fine: ₹936.44 crore
• Revised by NCLAT: ₹216.69 crore, based only on Play Store-specific revenues

Procedural Twist

• On May 1, NCLAT issued a clarification reinstating two key directives:
• Google must disclose data policies.
• Google must not leverage billing data for competitive advantage.

What’s Next?

Google filed its appeal on July 21, 2025.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case soon, potentially reshaping how digital platforms are regulated in India.

India’s Top Business Tycoons Unite to Fund Healthcare for Supreme Court Lawyers

India’s top industrialists—including Adani, Ambanis, Birla, and others—have collectively funded a ₹50 crore health insurance scheme for Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) members.

The initiative, announced during the Supreme Court’s 75th anniversary celebrations, was spearheaded by Kapil Sibal, who personally reached out to business leaders for contributions.

The scheme, underwritten by United India Insurance, provides ₹2 lakh coverage per family, including parents and in-laws, and covers pre-existing conditions from day one. It also offers cashless treatment across 15,000+ hospitals, ₹50,000 maternity benefits, and coverage for LASIK surgery, congenital conditions, and ambulance charges.

Sibal emphasized that the initiative is a lifeline for young lawyers, ensuring financial security as they enter the profession. The announcement was accompanied by the launch of Pillars of Justice, a book featuring essays on landmark Supreme Court judgments.

This move sets a precedent for corporate-backed welfare initiatives in the legal sector, with CJI BR Gavai urging other Bar Associations to adopt similar models.

The legal community has largely welcomed the ₹50 crore health insurance scheme for Supreme Court lawyers, seeing it as a landmark welfare initiative. Many lawyers, especially young professionals, have expressed relief at having financial security for medical expenses.

Kapil Sibal, who spearheaded the initiative, described it as a lifeline for lawyers entering the profession, ensuring they have a safety net while building their careers. The Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, praised the move and urged other Bar Associations to adopt similar models to support lawyers across the country.

The scheme’s cashless treatment, maternity benefits, and coverage for pre-existing conditions have been particularly appreciated, with many lawyers calling it a game-changer for the profession.

AI Should Not Be Outrightly Rejected: SC Justice KV Viswanathan

Supreme Court Justice KV Viswanathan has said that "Artificial Intelligence (AI) need not be outrightly rejected, although a final call on how far it should be used needs some consideration". He made this statement during an event at the Delhi High Court on December 11, 2024.

He was speaking at the launch of a commentary on Patent Law by Advocate Adarsh Ramanujan. Justice Viswanathan emphasized that while AI should not be outrightly rejected, its use requires careful consideration.

Justice KV Viswanathan's statement was part of his address at the book launch event for Advocate Adarsh Ramanujan's commentary on Patent Law. He praised the book for its insightful discussion on AI and its interplay with patent law. Justice Viswanathan emphasized that while AI should not be outrightly rejected, its use requires careful consideration and thoughtful decision-making.

He also highlighted the importance of patent law as a growing field and praised the efforts of lawyers and judges at the Delhi High Court in tackling challenges in this area. The event included a panel discussion on the boundaries of patent law, where other judges and senior advocates also shared their perspectives.

It's a nuanced take on the role of AI, acknowledging both its potential and the need for careful implementation.

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has been a strong advocate for modernizing the Indian legal landscape with technology. He introduced initiatives like live transcription of Constitution Bench proceedings and the SUPACE tool to aid in judicial efficiency.

Justice A Guneshwar Sharma has used ChatGPT for additional research while adjudicating a case, showcasing a practical application of AI in the judiciary.

These perspectives highlight the cautious optimism with which Indian judiciary views AI, recognizing its potential to improve efficiency while also acknowledging the need for careful implementation.

Via ~ Bar & Bench

Supreme Court Gets Its 1st AI-powered Research Portal 'SUPACE'

The Supreme Court of India launched the first Artificial Intelligence-driven research portal "Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court’s Efficiency" (SUPACE) on April 06, 2021.

Chief Justice of India SA Bobde described it as a ‘hybrid system’ and ‘a perfect blend of human intelligence and machine learning’ that does wonder when paired with human intelligence.

CJI Bobde stressed the fact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) would not play any role in decision making in the court. He stated that AI is better at processing words and figures; hence it will only collect all the necessary important data, discover facts, and present it to the Judges, the final call will rest with the Judges.

CJI designate N V Ramana said that the launch of SUPACE marks an important historical day in the history of Supreme Court of India and the Judiciary. “Introduction of the AI tool is another feather in the cap of CJI,” he added. This will assist the Judiciary system to reduce pendency and faster deliverance of justice to needy people.

The technical team behind the development of the AI tool presented a live demo of SUPACE at the launch event.

Additionally, the use of AI in Motor Accidents Claim Tribunals is being explored and a special Sub Committee has been formed for this.

Justice Ramana said, “We are already burdened with so much pendency and other problems like finding out, taking out important facts and issues that parties raised and doing that with this tool is very easy.” He added that with time it could be understood to input in the system.