The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has agreed to hear Meta Platforms' appeal against the order of the Competition Commission of India. The Competition Commission of india had imposed a penalty of Rs 213 crore for abusing the dominant position along with banning Meta Platforms' data-sharing practice for 5 years.
The bench headed by NCLAT Chairman Justice ashok Bhushan, while hearing the appeal of Meta Platforms, said that it needs further consideration. The bench said, we have found that the request raised by the parties needs to be considered. We accept both the appeals. However, regarding the interim relief to stay the CCI order, NCLAT said that it will decide next week. On january 23, 2025, the Competition Commission of india may hear Meta's appeal for interim relief to stay the order. Meta Platforms had filed an appeal in NCLAT on january 13, 2025, challenging the CCI's order dated november 18, 2024.
The lawyer appearing for whatsapp and Meta Platforms requested the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal to stay the CCI order during the hearing. However, the lawyer of the Competition Commission of india opposed it. The Competition Commission of india (CCI), in its order dated november 18, imposed a fine of Rs 213.14 crore on Meta for adopting unfair business practices in relation to the whatsapp privacy policy 'update' of 2021. Apart from this, the CCI had directed Meta to avoid and refrain from anti-competitive behavior.
The Competition Commission of india, in its order last year, had ordered Meta and whatsapp to implement certain practical measures within a stipulated time frame to address anti-competitive issues.
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