CCI Denies Role In 'Information Leak' To Media

File Case against media company: CCI

The Counsel for CCI categorically mentioned that Google has failed to provide the details of how the report in question got leaked to the media. As per CCI's stand, the competition regulator had no role in divulging the details of the investigation to the media. The authority further asserted that Google should file a case against the media company breaking the story with details of the report. 

Apparently, the story was an exclusive one from Times Of India, and CCI in its defense has contended that the media agency has not specified any details of how it got access to the confidential report. During the arguments in Court, counsel on behalf of Google hit back with a counter argument and stated that the competition watchdog was the only party privy to the report.

While Justice Rekha Palli has adjourned the matter for September 27, 2021, it will be interesting to see how the case unfolds.

Tech giant Google had moved Delhi High Court against Competition Commission Of India on Thursday. 

What is the row about

In a writ petition filed before the Court, Google has claimed that the Competition Commission Of India has leaked a confidential report to the media. The report contains information regarding Google's smartphone agreements which are in violation of coemption norms.

Interestingly, Google is yet to receive and review the report from CCI's investigative division.

Last week, reports had stated that CCI's investigation arm had found that Google indulged in unfair business practices aimed at restricting smartphone companies to develop alternate versions of android. Google's Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen smartphones and tablets.

Google's press statement on report leak

In a statement released to media, Google had earlier said it aims to prevent any further unlawful disclosures of confidential findings by the investigative division of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

'We are deeply concerned that the Director General's Report, which contains our confidential information in an ongoing case, was leaked to the media while in the CCI's custody. ''Protecting confidential information is fundamental to any governmental investigation, and we are pursuing our legal right to seek redress and prevent any further unlawful disclosures,'' The company has cooperated fully and maintained confidentiality throughout the investigative process. We hope and expect the same level of confidentiality from the institutions we engage with.

The company had stated that the DG's findings ''do not reflect the final decision of the CCI'' and the submission of the investigation report is an interim procedural step.