SC takes strong note of non-compliance of its order asking telcos to pay over Rs 1.4 lakh cr

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The Supreme Court today directed the Managing Directors and Directors of telcos and other firms to explain why contempt action not be taken against them for non-compliance of its Order. The order was to pay adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of 1.47 lakh crore rupees to the Department of Telecommunications, DoT.

Taking strong note of the non-compliance of its Order, a bench of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice M R Shah expressed anguish over the order passed by DoT’s Desk Officer staying the effect of its verdict in AGR matter.

The top Court expressed anger that a desk officer writes a letter to the Attorney General and other constitutional authorities saying they should not insist on payment of money by telcos and others and to ensure that no coercive action is taken against them.

Referring to the DoT’s Desk Officer who had put on hold the top court’s order, the court said it will initiate contempt against the officer and the companies. The court summoned the MDs and directors of telecom companies to the court on March 17.

Telecom companies had approached the Supreme Court in January, seeking modification in its verdict to get more time to pay up. The court had rejected the plea.