Have Telecom Companies Contributed To COVID-19 Relief, SC Judge Asks During AGR Case Hearing

During the hearing of the AGR case in the Supreme Court, Justice M R Shah asked if telecom companies have contributed to COVID-19 relief.

Senior Advocate Arvind P Datar, appearin  for Tata telecom,  said that his client contributed Rs 1500 crores.

Bharti Airtel contributed Rs 100 crores to PM CARES Fund, submitted Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal submitted that Hughes Communications has a CSR fund. 

A bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, Abdul Nazeer and M R Shah was hearing the application filed by the Department of Telecommunication seeking to allow telecom companies to clear the AGR dues in a staggered fashion over a period of 20 years.

The bench remarked that the 20 year period was unreasonable, and asked the telcos to submit affidavits detailing their payment plans.

The Court also pulled up the government for raising demands on Public Sector Undertakings on the basis of the definition of "Adjusted Gross Revenue" (AGR) given by the Supreme Court in its judgment delivered in October, 2019.

The Court observed that such demand of PSUs was a "misuse of the verdict".

SC Asks DoT To Reconsider Claims Made On PSUs Based On AGR Judgment; Says 'It's A Misuse Of Our Verdict 

20 Years Period To Clear AGR Dues Not Reasonable : SC On Centre's Plea To Allow Time For Telecos