AGR Case: SC asks Centre to spell out stand on Reliance Jio sharing RComm spectrum

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 17

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to spell out its stand on Reliance Jio sharing RComm spectrum as it explored ways and means to make telecom companies clear their dues on account of the AGR.

A Bench led by Justice Arun Mishra said it wanted to know if Reliance Jio can be asked to discharge RComm dues as Jio is earning revenue from the shared spectrum.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government would support any decision that the court took to help the recovery of AGR dues.

Awaiting the government reply, the Bench posted the matter for further hearing on August 19.

Earlier in the day, it dismissed a PIL seeking a direction to authorities to make immediate arrangements for the recovery of AGR dues from telecom companies.

“Why do you want to complicate the issue? Do not misuse Article 32 like this,” a Bench led by Justice Arun Mishra told petitioner Anshul Gupta.

“We are already hearing the matter. Not inclined to entertain this,” said the Bench dismissing the PIL.

In an affidavit filed in the court, Reliance Jio said spectrum sharing with RComm didn’t fasten liability for past dues.

The DoT didn’t raise any claims against Reliance Jio, which was not a party to AGR case, it said, adding RCom had already submitted bank guarantee towards the dues.

Spectrum Sharing Guidelines didn’t make any provision for sharing of liabilities, it submitted.