AGR case: SC directs telecom companies to file affidavit on repayment of dues

Supreme Court on Friday strongly fumed upon telecom companies for t having cleared ir Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) and also slammed Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for demanding Rs 4 lakh crore from state-run PSUs. apex court stated that DoT officials are misusing its earlier judgement and ordered department to reconsider its demand from PSUs. hearing has been adjourned for June 18. 

'Totally impermissible'

A three-judge bench comprising of Justices Arun Mishra, MR Shah and S Abdul pulled up Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to explain reason behind demanding Rs 4 lakh crores from PSUs which top court termed as 'totally impermissible.'

top court also questioned demand by telecom companies to pay its dues over a period of 20 years. SG Mehta argued that it would be difficult for telecom companies to pay AGR amount upfront in one go and if court persists, it would adversely impact telecom sector and in turn, consumers will suffer.

READ | DoT Submits Details Of Dues On AGR From Telecom Companies Ahead Of SC Hearing

SG Mehta stated that Central government will file an affidavit explaining why dues were raised dues against PSUs. He also informed that Centre has extensively examined issue and has come out with a bail-out pack. Meanwhile, apex court has directed telecom companies to file affidavits on how will y pay remaining dues. 

READ | SC Won't Allow Telcos' AGR Defiance; Gives Jail Warning To MDs On n-compliance

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Airtel Bharti, stated that company had paid 100 per cent of its 'self-assessed' AGR dues and added that it will confirm remaining dues with government and clear it as well. Bharti Airtel had claimed to have deposited a total payment of Rs 18,004 crores to DoT in February. On or hand, Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Vodafone Idea, argued that re is a total demand of over Rs 50,000 crores along with interest and penalty. He added, "We don't have eugh money to even pay our employees and meet our expenses."

READ | SC Dismisses Review Petition By Telecom Operators Urging New Schedule For AGR Payment

READ | Airtel, Voda Idea, Tata Tele Likely To Pay AGR Dues On Monday: DoT Source

(With ANI Inputs)