SC junks PIL challenging Centre’s decision to relax payment of AGR dues

Telecom companies can heave a sigh of relief as the Supreme Court has dismissed a PIL challenging the Centre’s decision to relax payment terms of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues from them, saying it was a policy matter.

“Any interference by this Court at this stage would not only create uncertainty in the implementation of the policy but also jeopardise the policy itself,” a Bench led by Justice NV Nagarathna said.

As per the top court’s order, the AGR payment had to be made in yearly instalments commencing from April 1, 2021 up to March 31, 2031 payable by 31st March of every succeeding financial year.