Airtel, Voda Idea fail to pay AGR instalment; deadline expired on March 31

According to the DoT's calculations, Bharti Airtel owes the exchequer Rs 43,780 crore, of which the company has paid Rs 18,004 crore

Bharti Airtel and Voda­fone Idea (Vi) failed to pay the first instalment towards adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to the Depart­ment of Tele­communications (DoT) on Wednesday. The first instalment had to be paid before March 31.
 
In a relief to the cash-strapped telecom operators, the Supreme Court (SC) in September had allowed the firms to clear their AGR dues in 10 years and start making upfront payment of 10 per cent of total dues. SC had said any default in payment would invite interest, penalty, and contempt of court.
 
According to the DoT’s calculations, Bharti Airtel owes the exchequer