IndusOS backs CCI verdict as Google alleges failure to conduct ‘impartial’ investigation

“As an app store, we are delighted by the CCI decision to stop Google from restricting OEMs from partnering with other companies like IndusOS to distribute alternate app stores,” Rakesh Deshmukh, Co-founder, CEO, Indus OS said in a statement to ET.

He said this would provide Indian consumers with the freedom of choice to choose an app store of their liking on their mobile phones.

Digital payments major PhonePe and Affle Global (AGPL) reached a settlement on the acquisition of OSLabs, the Singapore-based holding company of app and content discovery platform Indus OS, in July last year.

With the acquisition, PhonePe said it would pursue its stated vision of building a homegrown horizontal appstore.

ET had reported on Wednesday that the NCLAT directed Google to deposit 10% of the fine with the NCLAT registry.

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Deshmukh’s statement applauding the CCI verdict comes at a time when Google has alleged that CCI’s director general (DG) had failed to “conduct an impartial, balanced, and legally sound investigation while ignoring evidence from Indian users, app developers, and OEMs,” as per its petition copy, accessed by ET.
Further, Deshmukh said the CCI’s order lends a great deal of confidence to all stakeholders.

“It is a shot in the arm for many companies in the ecosystem that have been affected adversely due to the monopolistic policies of Google, as they can now compete and build better products customized for India,” he said.

However, Google in its petition claimed that Indian device manufacturers such as LAVA and Micromax wrote to the CCI asking it to “recognise the harm that would result from ill-considered interventions.”

Deshmukh concluded his statement by saying that Indus OS has been “patiently waiting” and “consistently fighting” for over a decade now.

“This is only the beginning and our endeavor to create a level playing field for alternate app stores and bring competitive and Indian customised products for our users will continue with the same fervor and zeal as before,” he said.