SC asks I-T dept to refund Rs 733 cr to Vodafone Idea

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: In a partial relief to cash-strapped Vodafone Idea, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Income Tax department to refund Rs 733 crore within four weeks, which the telecom operator had sought as part of a larger tax dispute.

Its contested total refund, amounting to Rs 4,759 crore, will help pay at least a part of its statutory dues worth more than Rs 58,000 crore or meet capital expenditure needs.

“… we direct that the amount of Rs 733 crores shall be refunded to the appellant within four weeks from today, subject to any proceedings that the Revenue may deem appropriate to initiate in accordance with law,” the apex court said.