The Supreme Court has agreed to list the AGR dues case involving Vodafone Idea for hearing next Friday, following a request from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The development comes in the backdrop of the Department of Telecom’s (DoT) fresh demand of ₹9,450 crore, which Vodafone Idea has strongly challenged.
Key representation in court
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi will appear on behalf of Vodafone Idea, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will present the DoT’s position before the bench. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading the proceedings, urged both sides to work towards a solution, noting the changed circumstances highlighted by the government.
The dues dispute explained
The DoT’s demand includes ₹2,774 crore pertaining to the post-merger Vodafone Idea entity and ₹5,675 crore linked to pre-merger Vodafone Group liabilities. The telecom operator has argued that the fresh demand goes beyond the scope of the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling on AGR liabilities, pointing out duplication of figures and errors, particularly in dues traced back to the pre-FY17 period.
DoT’s argument
In its response, the DoT has stated that the demand is not a reassessment or recalculation but arises from closing pending accounts and identifying gaps in earlier financial statements.
The case is being closely watched by investors and industry observers as Vodafone Idea’s financial stability hinges on the outcome, with the telco already under pressure to raise funds and reduce its heavy debt load.
