Ball in govt's court

After SC's verdict on AGR dues, the Centre should move swiftly to overhaul the insolvency framework

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The Supreme Court's (SC) dismissal of the pleas by Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, and Tata Teleservices marks the end of the judicial road towards waiver of interest, penalties, and interest on penalties related to adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. This is not the first time the apex court has rejected such petitions. Since its 2021 judgment defining AGR and quantifying the dues, it has consistently stood firm against any dilution of its verdict through review, curative, or fresh writ petitions, with new reasoning but seeking the same relief.

This continued return to the courtroom on part of the telecom companies reflects a misplaced hope that persistence can override legal closure. It is clear now that the companies cannot escape the compounded burden of their AGR liabilities. The court, in its firm rebuke, said that such attempts are not expected of multinational companies and termed the latest round of petitions "misconceived".