News

Airtel move SC for AGR relief following Vodafone Idea’s pleaBharti Airtel and Bharti Hexacom have approached the Supreme Court seeking waiver of AGR dues, following Vodafone Idea, and warned of severe implications for telecom infrastructure and financial viability.By Ashmit Kumar    | Sheersh Kapoor   May 17, 2025, 9:07:36 PM IST (Updated)2 Min ReadBharti Airtel and Bharti Hexacom have filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking relief in the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues case, arguing that continued liability without waiver would imperil not only their operations but the telecom sector at large.

The move follows Vodafone Idea’s fresh plea seeking exemption from interest, penalties and interest on penalty dues.

In their petition, the Bharti companies said, “The AGR dues gravely impacted the ability of the two Bharti companies to meet the much-needed aggressive network rollout requirements... In the absence of a waiver, survivability of the Bharti Companies and the entire telecom sector would be jeopardised.”

The petition notes that a ₹9,235 crore principal liability has ballooned to ₹43,980 crore due to interest and penalties. As of March 31, 2025, the companies still owe ₹38,397 crore according to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Also read: Vodafone Idea warns of not being able to continue beyond FY26 without more govt help

Airtel also highlighted its substantial contribution to the public exchequer—₹75,000 crore in license fees and ₹22,000 crore in GST over a decade, according to an ET report. The group says relief must be granted on a non-discriminatory basis to all affected telecom licensees.

The Supreme Court is likely to hear Vodafone Idea’s petition on Monday.Continue ReadingFirst Published: May 17, 2025 9:04 PM ISTCheck out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!TagsAGR duesBharti AirtelTelecom companiesTelecom SectorVodafone Idea (VIL)