Allow non-auction spectrum allocation in certain situations: Centre to SC

New Delhi: The Centre has sought to know from the Supreme Court if it could allocate airwaves administratively — without holding competitive auctions — to address unanticipated state priorities such as national security, in broader public interest, or when techno-economic peculiarities preclude the sale of spectrum via a bidding process.

A 2012 Supreme Court judgement and a Presidential reference prescribe competitive auctions for distribution of natural public-owned resources such as spectrum.

“Issue appropriate clarifications that the government may consider the assignment of spectrum through an administrative process,” the Centre urged the Supreme Court in its petition, a copy of which was seen by ET. “Pass such an order, or further orders as this court may deem fit and proper… in the interest of justice.”