The Supreme Court received Vodafone AGR dues for a second time after the Centre requested the bench to establish a solution for the telecom operator’s new appeal. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a new demand of ₹9,450 crore which includes ₹5,606 crore from the 2016-17 period. The court established in 2020 that Vodafone Idea must pay adjusted gross revenue dues amounting to ₹58,254 crore which the company already settled according to its argument.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the Centre before the court to explain that the government now controls half of Vodafone Idea’s equity which positions it as a participant in finding a solution. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi defended Vodafone by explaining that the new case presents different circumstances from previous cases.
The Supreme Court bench consisting of Chief Justice BR Gavai accepted the case for review during the following week while emphasizing the requirement for a definitive solution. The Centre’s willingness to find a solution indicates a change from previous rigid positions which creates optimism about Vodafone Idea’s ability to survive. A successful resolution would reduce financial pressure while drawing new investment to maintain India’s third-largest telecommunications provider in the market.
