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India Defends Global Turnover Antitrust Rule as Apple Challenges Multibillion-Dollar Fine

By  |  January 11, 2026
Apple

India is pressing ahead with a controversial competition law that allows regulators to calculate penalties based on a company’s worldwide revenue, a move that could significantly raise the financial stakes for major technology firms operating in the country. According to MSN, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has argued in a Delhi court that the so-called “Global Turnover” rule is essential to ensure that antitrust penalties have real impact on large multinational corporations.

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    The regulation, enacted in 2024, permits the CCI to levy fines of up to 10 percent of a company’s total global turnover rather than limiting penalties to revenue generated within India. Per MSN, regulators have said this change is meant to stop powerful companies from dismissing antitrust sanctions as a mere “cost of doing business.” Under this framework, Apple could face a potential fine estimated at around $38 billion, reflecting 10 percent of its worldwide revenue.

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    Apple has mounted a legal challenge against the law, asking the Delhi High Court to overturn it. According to MSN, the company submitted a 545-page petition in November arguing that the provision is “grossly disproportionate” and “unconstitutional.” Apple has also accused the CCI of applying the rule illegally and retroactively, claims that Indian regulators have strongly rejected.

    Related: India Defends Global Turnover-Based Fines as Apple Challenges Antitrust Law

    In court filings cited per MSN, the CCI defended the rationale behind the regulation, stating, “This approach ensures that penalties retain real deterrent value in complex, digital and cross-border markets, rather than becoming nominal or easily absorbable for large multinational players.” The commission has further maintained that the rule is clarificatory in nature, asserting that “Clarificatory provisions operate retrospectively as they explain the true intent of the legislature.”

    The implications of the policy extend beyond Apple. According to MSN, other global companies including Amazon, Google, Pernod Ricard, and advertising group Publicis are also facing antitrust scrutiny in India and could be affected by the global turnover standard if violations are established.

    The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the case again on January 27, 2026. Until a final decision is reached, per MSN, the CCI has asked Apple to submit verified financial records covering the past three years. Regulators say the information is necessary to assess the company’s financial position and calculate any potential penalties should the law be upheld.

    Source: MSN