2023 · GS Paper 2 · Q7 · 10 marks
Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.
In short
The CCI curbs abuse of dominance by multinationals under Section 4 of the Competition Act, fining Google ₹1,337.76 crore (Android) and ₹936.44 crore (Play billing) in 2022 and Meta ₹213.14 crore in 2024. Its bite is limited because ₹18,512 crore of ₹20,350 crore in penalties were stayed or set aside on appeal.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 273 words
Google Android (2022)
A ₹1,337.76 crore penalty for forced pre-installation and default search, upheld by the NCLAT in 2023.
Google Play billing (2022)
₹936.44 crore for mandatory in-app billing, cut by the NCLAT to about ₹217 crore in 2025 with part of the abuse findings upheld.
Meta and WhatsApp (2024)
₹213.14 crore over the 2021 privacy policy, with a five-year ban on ad data-sharing that the NCLAT stayed.
Sharper teeth
The 2023 amendment allows penalties on global turnover, and Section 32 reaches conduct abroad that harms Indian markets.
Appellate erosion
The Standing Committee on Finance (2025) found ₹18,512 crore of ₹20,350 crore in penalties stayed or set aside.
Slow enforcement
The Android probe ran from 2019 to 2022, long enough for the market to tip towards the incumbent.
Capacity and ex-ante gaps
The same committee found 42% of sanctioned posts vacant, and the draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024, with prior obligations on large digital firms, is not yet law.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.