The petitioner alleged that major telecom companies, specifically Jio and Reliance, dominate the Indian Internet market, potentially limiting competition. In response, the bench directed the petitioner to approach the Competition Commission of India (CCI) if there were concerns about unfair trade practices.
New Delhi: Today, 24th Feb, The Supreme Court of India refused to hear a plea demanding regulation of Internet prices in the country. The court stated that consumers have multiple service providers to choose from and that it is a free market.
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A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar dismissed the petition filed by an individual named Rajat.
The judges pointed out that Internet services are available from different companies, including government-run providers like BSNL and MTNL.
“It’s a free market. There are several options. BSNL and MTNL are also giving you Internet,” the bench remarked, emphasizing that users have choices when selecting an Internet provider.
The petitioner had alleged that major telecom companies, specifically Jio and Reliance, dominate the Indian Internet market, potentially limiting competition. In response, the bench directed the petitioner to approach the Competition Commission of India (CCI) if there were concerns about unfair trade practices.
“If you are alleging cartelisation, then go to the Competition Commission of India,”
the court stated, indicating that such issues fall under the jurisdiction of the CCI, which oversees anti-competitive practices.
While dismissing the plea, the Supreme Court also clarified that the petitioner is free to explore other legal remedies available under the law.
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“If the petitioner wanted to take any recourse to appropriate statutory remedy, he was at liberty to do so,”
the court stated, leaving the door open for the petitioner to seek justice through the proper legal channels.
Case Details : RAJAT vs. UNION OF INDIA| W.P.(C) No. 000136 / 2025
