Madras High Court has taken a decisive stance in the ongoing battle between Google and Indian digital companies. The court has issued a temporary injunction that prevents Google from removing Matrimony.com and 13 other digital entities from its Play Store. This significant ruling was handed down by a bench consisting of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice PD Audikesavalu.

The court's decision came during the hearing of appeals filed by Matrimony.com and other entities, challenging a prior ruling by a single judge of the Madras High Court. The earlier ruling had dismissed appeals from various Indian startups and tech companies, including well-known names like Bharat Matrimony, Shaadi.com, and Unacademy. These companies were contesting Google's app billing policy, which initially mandated the use of its Google Play Billing System (GPBS) for transactions and charged commissions ranging from 15 to 30 percent.

The recent update to Google's billing system introduced an "alternative billing" option and allowed for the use of third-party billing systems, albeit with service fees ranging from 11 to 26 percent. The appellants in the case, including Matrimony.com, objected to these fees and sought relief from the court.

The single judge's ruling had suggested that the matter was within the purview of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which provides comprehensive remedies under the Competition Act. However, Matrimony.com and its counterparts argued that the jurisdiction of civil courts remains relevant for aspects where the CCI's remedies are not applicable.

The court's injunction marks a pivotal moment in this legal dispute, underscoring the ongoing tension between tech giants and smaller digital players. The court has scheduled further arguments on August 23 to continue deliberating on the matter.