New Delhi: The Supreme Court has reprimanded telecom companies for delay in payment of arrears. During the hearing in the AGR case, the court expressed resentment whether the government officials are above the Supreme Court. MDs of telecom companies have been summoned to the court by issuing notice. MDs have been asked to appear in court and explain why their companies have not deposited the AGR dues so far. Airtel, Voda Idea and Tata Teleservices etc. owe Rs 1.47 lakh.
At the same time, the court also questioned the relief of companies from the Department of Telecom. Justice Mishra said, how the DoT issued a notification that no drastic action would be taken against the companies for not paying now. The Supreme Court said that despite our order this amount was not deposited, we are surprised that not a single penny has been deposited.
Expressing displeasure, Justice Arun Mishra said, “What is happening in the country, it is utter nonsense, we have said what we had to say.” Justice Mishra said that these petitions should not have been filed, it is all nonsense, is the government desk officer more than the Supreme Court which stayed our order. Earlier, the court had issued an order to deposit the dues by 23 January.
