While the SC was originally looking to send the matter back to the NCLAT, observing that the tribunal had not looked at all the aspects of their interim stay application, it agreed to hear Google's petition on January 19.
Earlier in the day, the Bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and J B Pardiwala, suggested that it would ask Google to appear before the NCLAT and ask the tribunal to hear the issue on January 23.
But Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N Venkataraman told the court that the matter was “of national importance”.
“Our request is that this court hears us out and decides the matter," he said.
Senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for Google, said he agreed with the ASG’s suggestion, and that both parties wanted the top court to hear and settle the issue once and for all.
"We will hear the matter on the merits of stay. We will take up this matter at 11.30 am tomorrow, or when all of you are here, whichever is earlier," the Bench said.
The apex court on Thursday was hearing Google’s challenge to the competition regulator’s Rs 1,338-crore penalty for unfair practices relating to Android devices.
Google has three months to comply with the CCI’s directions and its deadline ends on January 19.
Google had moved the SC challenging an order passed by the NCLAT on January 6 that refused to stay the CCI's order. The tech giant was also directed to deposit 10 per cent of the penalty amount within three weeks. The next NCLAT hearing was slated for April 3.
The Supreme Court on Monday had asked Google why there were different standards for Android devices in India and in other European countries. Google was also asked to explain if it would put the same regime in India as it had abroad, and if the tech giant's steps were inconsistent with the CCI’s directions.
With inputs from PTI
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Quarterly Starter
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app