Airtel, Voda Idea file separate pleas in SC seeking review of AGR verdict

Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Tata Tele seek waiver of interest, penalty

In a move that takes the current telecom narrative to the next level, incumbent operators Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court, seeking a review of its judgment on dues linked to adjusted gross revenue (AGR). The order, upholding the government’s definition of AGR, implied telcos, including those who’ve shut their operations or have sold to others, would need to pay dues estimated at Rs 1.47 trillion, including spectrum usage charges (SUC). Of this, Rs 92,641 crore is the total AGR dues including penalties and interest etc.         

Tata Teleservices, which had