India: Competition Commission closed its investigation into Google over alleged abuse in online search advertising services (Case No. 23(2) of 2024)

On 1 August 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued an order under Section 26(2A) of the Competition Act, 2002, in Case No. 23(2) of 2024, directing the closure of proceedings initiated by the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) against Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, Google Ireland Limited, Google Asia Pacific Pte Limited, and Google India Private Limited (collectively, 'Google'). The case concerned alleged abuse of dominance in the market for online search advertising services through Google Ads Policies. The CCI noted that ADIF’s allegations, relating to restrictions on third-party technical support ads, limitations on Call Ads, non-transparency in ad rankings, and bidding on trademarked keywords, were substantially similar to issues previously adjudicated in Case Nos. 06 & 46 of 2014 (Vishal Gupta) and Case Nos. 07 & 30 of 2012 (Matrimony.com). The CCI determined that the practices had already been examined and dismissed on merits, with no material change in circumstances provided to warrant a re-investigation. Invoking the newly inserted Section 26(2A) of the Act, which codifies the principle of res judicata in competition enforcement, the CCI concluded that further inquiry was unnecessary and ordered the immediate closure of the matter.