Decide deadline for AGR dues of telcos, Supreme Court tells Centre

In a major development, the Supreme Court has asked the Central government to fix the deadline on adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues of telcos. Further, the apex court raised questions over the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) AGR demand of Rs 4 lakh crore from PSUs. The court says, "DoT must consider withdrawing its AGR dues demand from PSUs." SC termed as 'totally impermissible' demand of DoT seeking Rs 4 lakh crore as AGR dues from PSUs.

The Supreme Court has raised questions about the security offered by the companies ready to make payments. Also, the apex court asked, "Are companies' directors ready to give any personal guarantee?"

Moreover, SC told DoT that its verdict on AGR issue was misinterpreted and said issue of dues by PSUs was not dealt with.

All these developments emerged as the Supreme Court took up the telecom sector AGR case on Thursday.  The bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra and comprising Justices S. Abdul Nazeer and M.R. Shah heard the contention of various telecom firms - Vodafone Idea, Tata Teleservice, and Bharti Airtel.

The next hearing is scheduled to take place on 18th June.

In the previous hearing on March 18, the apex court slammed the Centre and telecom companies for not complying with its order on the payment of dues and penalties, saying: "Actions of telecom companies tantamount to seeking to bypass our judgement. All dues as per our judgement will have to be paid, including interest and penalty."

In its order, the three-judge bench, led by Justice Mishra, and comprising Justices Abdul Nazeer and Shah, held that no self-assessment can be done on AGR dues and no further objection on its verdict would be entertained.

While hearing Centre's plea granting a 20-year window for payment of dues by telecom firms, the court asked where did the concept of self-assessment come in. "Who permitted self-assessment without permission of this court? This is sheer contempt of court. If a reassessment is permitted - it is a fraud on this court," insisted Justice Mishra, emphasising this is a question of the prestige of the apex court.