Boost for Voda Idea as SC allows AGR fix

Vi has challenged demand for extra AGR dues of ₹9,450 crore

- Krishna Yadav & Jatin Grover

In a big relief for Vodafone Idea Ltd, the Supreme Court on Monday allowed the government to address the grievances of the beleaguered telecom operator without the court’s intervention, and reassess the demand for adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues.

The bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran observed that any decision on giving relief to the telecom operator is a policy matter.

Considering the changed circumstances in which the government itself holds substantial equity in Vodafone Idea, and since the issue may have a direct bearing on the interest of 200 million consumers, “we see no impediment in the interest of Union of India reconsidering the issue and taking appropriate decision in law,” the bench observed, clarifying that the matter is within the policy domain of the Union. A written order was not available until press time.

The matter pertains to Vodafone Idea filing a petition last month challenging the Department of Telecommunications's (DoT) demand for an additional 9,450 crore towards AGR dues.