Modification appeal against AGR deadline likely to be listed on Feb 3: Court

The Supreme Court is likely to list the modification appeal filed by the telcos against the deadline for their statutory dues on February 3, a notification said Thursday.

According to the apex court’s website, the case is likely to be listed on coming Monday – February 3. The fate of telcos hinges on the whether the top court will allow telcos to negotiate the terms of payment of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues with the telecom department.

If the top court allows telcos to negotiate with the telecom department -DoT- then the timeline for payment may get extended, bringing big relief especially to Vodafone Idea, which has to pay the maximum dues. Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices had filed for modification appeals and are awaiting the SC’s directions.

The three telcos had earlier filed review petitions before the Supreme Court against its earlier verdict on AGR dues. That petition was dismissed, following which the three went for modification applications. Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel face statutory dues of Rs 53,039 crore and Rs 35,586 crore, respectively.

The tussle between telcos and government over AGR dues concluded on October 24, 2019 when the top court upheld the government’s definition.

Although the deadline has gone, DoT has directed its circle offices not to take any coercive action against the telcos till the Supreme Court’s decision on the modification appeal.