The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing in Vodafone Idea’s Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues case, with the next hearing now scheduled for after the Diwali break. The decision came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), requested that the matter be taken up on the first day of reopening following the festive recess.
During the proceedings on Monday, October 13, SG Mehta said, “Can your lordships have it on Thursday or the first day of reopening?” In response, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) remarked, “First day of reopening? Unless you have a specific stand… Keep it on the first day after court reopens after Diwali.”
The case involves Vodafone Idea’s plea challenging the DoT’s additional AGR demand of ₹5,606 crore for the period up to FY2016–17, with the telecom operator seeking a comprehensive reassessment and reconciliation of dues under the Deduction Verification Guidelines issued in February 2020.
The matter has already seen multiple deferrals — from September 26 to October 6, and then to October 13 — as the Centre sought time to prepare its response. The latest adjournment means the hearing will now take place after Diwali, likely in the last week of October.
As of March 2025, Vodafone Idea’s total AGR-related liabilities stood at ₹83,400 crore, forming part of its overall debt burden of nearly ₹1.99 lakh crore. The company remains under financial pressure as it continues efforts to raise funds and improve cash flows amid mounting dues.
The outcome of the post-Diwali hearing will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the telecom operator’s financial restructuring plans and debt repayment roadmap.
