SC Turns Down Telecom Operators’ Plea On AGR Waiver

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed petitions filed by telecom operators Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea (Vi) and Tata Teleservices, seeking waiver of interest and penalties in their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, terming the petitions ‘misconceived.’ The ruling came as the government earlier rejected debt-ridden Vodafone Idea Ltd’s plea for fresh relief on its AGR dues, according to reliable sources.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in a letter dated April 29, said the request for further concessions on AGR liabilities ‘can’t be considered’ due to the Supreme Court’s verdict announced in the case in 2020. The apex court ruling fixed a 10-year timeline for telcos to clear dues.