Apple is challenging India’s antitrust authority in the Delhi High Court over its method for calculating penalties.

The company argues that the Competition Commission of India’s practice of basing fines on a company’s global turnover is “unconstitutional and disproportionate.”

This legal stance could expose Apple to potential fines of up to $38 billion in India, a market where it is one of the fastest-growing smartphone brand, according to Reuters.

The case stems from a 2021 investigation, prompted by complaints from an alliance of Indian startups and Match Group (owner of Tinder).

They accused Apple of “abusive conduct” by forcing developers to use its in-app purchase system and pay high commissions.

While the final verdict is pending, the CCI stated in a preliminary order that it believes Apple’s mandatory IAP rules “restrict the choice available to the app developers.”

Apple has denied all charges.

Apple is projected to sell about 15 million iPhones in India this year,which could place it among the top five smartphone companies in the India, according to IDC India’s
Navkendar Singh.