English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

DoT to withdraw AGR related dues against PSUs.

The Supreme Court on Thursday has directed the Department of Telecommunications to consider payment proposals by telecom companies who must furnish their books of accounts and balance sheets of last 10 years to show their financial capacity.

Published

6 years ago

on

The Supreme Court on Thursday has directed the Department of Telecommunications to consider payment proposals by telecom companies who must furnish their books of accounts and balance sheets of last 10 years to show their financial capacity.

A three judge Bench of Justices Arun Mishra, Abdul Nazeer and MR Shah was hearing a plea of the Department of Telecommunications seeking NV staggered payment of AGR Dues by Telecom companies.

During the hearing today, the Court was informed that the Department of Telecommunications has decided to withdraw 96 per cent of the Rs 4 lakh crore demand raised against non-telecom PSU’s based on the Supreme Court’s October 2019 verdict that had altered the definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that an affidavit has been filed explaining why AGR dues were raised against PSUs and 96% of Rs 4 lakh crore bill has been withdrawn. He also informed the Court that while the Telecom Companies have filed their response, the Department of Telecommunications needs some more time to file their response.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appearing on behalf of Vodafone, submitted that the company’s position is extremely precarious and it is not in a position to give any fresh bank guarantee. It has already paid Rs 7,000 crore to the DoT. Over Rs 10,000 crore of bank guarantees are lying with the DOT, which should be considered as security. According to Rohatgi, payment of all the AGR can only be made through instalments over 20 years since the company can only earn and pay.

The bench responded to Rohatgi’s submission stating that Vodafone was a larger foreign player, and some amount must be deposited especially when during the pandemic the government needs this money. Senior Advocate Arvind Datar on behalf of Tata Teleservices, informed the Court that Rs 37000 crores has been paid, and the company has been hit by the pandemic.

Senior Advocate Dr AM Singhvi, appearing for the third telco Bharti Airtel, and informed that 18,000 crores out of over 21000 crores have been paid and bank Guarantees of Rs 10,800 crore is pending with the DOT.

The Supreme Court in its hearing last Thursday had directed the Department of Telecommunication to reconsider the claims raised on Public Sector Undertakings based on SC’s October 19 verdict regarding the telecom companies and their AGR dues, stating that the Court’s judgment could not be the basis for demands on PSUs.

The telecom companies were also asked to file affidavits regarding the time that they need to clear their dues. According to the Court, raising demand on PSUs based on the verdict for AGR wasn’t required since licenses of PSUs and telcos are of different nature, and PSUs don’t intend commercial exploitation.

The Department of Telecommunications moved an application before the Apex Court seeking permission to pay their AGR dues of 1.43 lakh crore according to the verdict, in a staggered manner over the time period of 20 years.

The Apex Court in April had already rejected pleas of the three telcos including Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel and Tata Teleservices seeking review of the October 2019 verdict of the Supreme Court that had widened the definition of AGR and directed the telcos to pay their dues.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant among 32 inducted in Bihar cabinet expansion

Nishant Kumar entered the Bihar cabinet for the first time as 32 ministers from NDA allies took oath in a major expansion of the state government.

Published

3 hours ago

on

May 7, 2026

By

Bihar government cabinet

A major cabinet expansion took place in Bihar on Thursday, with 32 leaders from the ruling NDA alliance inducted into the state government. Among the prominent names was Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who entered the cabinet for the first time.

The expansion included representatives from all major NDA allies in the state. According to reports, the BJP secured 15 ministerial berths, while JD(U) got 13 positions. Two ministers were inducted from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), while Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha received one berth each.

The oath-taking ceremony was held in Patna in the presence of senior NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Nishant Kumar’s induction comes weeks after he formally entered active politics. His entry into the Bihar cabinet is being viewed as a significant development for JD(U), which had long projected an anti-dynasty image under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

The cabinet reshuffle follows Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year and the formation of the government led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

Continue Reading

India News

PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

Published

9 hours ago

on

May 7, 2026

By

PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

Continue Reading

India News

Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

Published

9 hours ago

on

May 7, 2026

By

Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com