New Delhi, May 15 — The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a fresh plea filed by Vodafone Idea seeking a waiver of approximately ₹30,000 crore in adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. This amount includes interest, penalties, and interest on penalties.
A bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih took note of senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi's request for an urgent hearing on behalf of the telecom operator. Rohatgi emphasized that Vodafone Idea's survival is critical to sustaining healthy competition in the Indian telecom sector.
Following the equity conversion of interest dues, the Government of India holds a 49 percent stake in the telecom company.
Hearing Set for November 19
The Supreme Court is likely to hear the matter on November 19. This move comes after the apex court previously declined to entertain review petitions from telecom operators, including Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel, regarding the 2021 ruling that upheld the calculation of AGR dues.In January this year, a bench led by former Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna dismissed the review petitions in chambers, maintaining that the AGR dues as assessed were final.
Background of the AGR Dispute
In September 2020, the Supreme Court granted telecom operators a 10-year payment window to clear the massive ₹93,520 crore AGR-related dues. Operators were required to pay 10 percent of their dues by March 31, 2021, with the remaining amount to be paid in annual instalments until March 2031.The top court had clarified that there would be no further reassessment or dispute over the dues and upheld the Department of Telecommunications' demand as final.
The original AGR verdict was delivered in October 2019. The court expanded the definition of AGR to include non-core revenues, significantly increasing telecom firms' liabilities.
Vodafone Idea’s Stand
Vodafone Idea has consistently argued that the dues calculation contained arithmetical and duplicative errors and has sought a waiver for the non-principal components, such as interest and penalties.With its financial health under strain and the government now a key stakeholder, the company's fresh plea signals a renewed attempt to gain relief and stabilize operations amid ongoing market challenges.
