SC rejects AGR review plea; telcos have to pay Rs 1.47 trn dues in a week

Disappointed with the decision, Bharti Airtel, which is facing an estimated AGR demand of Rs 35,586 crore said it was evaluating filing a curative petition

In a blow to the telecom industry facing severe financial stress, the Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the review petitions moved by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices against its October 2019 order on payment of dues linked to adjusted gross revenue (AGR). Telcos, contemplating a curative plea, will have to together pay an estimated Rs 1.47 trillion in AGR dues that include penalties and interest on penalties by January 23. The order, expected to help the government in plugging its widening fiscal deficit, will also be applicable for many companies which have either sold out or shut their