Facts of the case

In the case of Matrimony.com v Google Matrimony had approached the Court, saying that because it had rejected Google’s new billing scheme, its Android app was in danger of being taken down from the Play Store0. Previously, Google mandated that all app developers use the Google Play Billing System (GPBS) for all transactions, including in-app purchases and paid app downloads. Google charged a commission of between 15 and 30 percent for the services it provided to app developers. However, customers of Google’s new billing system can choose “an alternative billing” option in addition to GPBS. It permits the use of third-party billing systems by app developers but charges a service fee of between 11% and 26%. Matrimony and a number of other software companies have been fighting against this cost.

Argument advanced 

The attorney for Matrimony.com informed the High Court that when users used the Alternative Billing System to pay, Google levied a service fee at a rate of 11% or 26%, depending on the amount of money produced by app developers in a given year. It was claimed that this was “on the face of it, unconscionable.”

Analysis of the court order 

Due to the controversy surrounding the tech company’s new in-app billing system, the Madras High Court recently temporarily restrained Google from removing or delisting the mobile app of online matchmaking service Matrimony.com from the Google Play Store, as Matrimony would suffer irreparable loss and hardship. Therefore, the petitioner for the granting of an order of injunction against delisting also prevails on the basis of balance of convenience.