Supreme Court Rejects Plea to Regulate Internet Prices

The Supreme Court rejected a plea seeking regulation of internet prices, stating that telecom services operate in a free market with multiple choices for consumers.

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The petition claimed Jio and Reliance dominate the market, limiting consumer options. It sought government intervention to regulate internet pricing.

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The court dismissed the plea, stating that consumers have alternatives like BSNL and MTNL. Price regulation is unnecessary in a competitive market.

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The bench suggested that if cartelization is suspected, the petitioner should approach the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for legal recourse.

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Industry experts believe regulating internet prices could stifle competition, limit innovation, and discourage investments in the telecom sector.

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The verdict reinforces India’s free-market approach, ensuring pricing remains market-driven while allowing consumers to choose from multiple service providers.

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