Arbitrator rejects Sterlite Technologies’ Rs 145 crore claim against BSNL

An arbitrator has rejected broadband technology company Sterlite Technologies’ claims worth Rs 145 crore against BSNL in an optical fibre cable laying project, a regulatory filing said on Friday.

Sterlite Technologies (STL) said that it is evaluating options to challenge the award of the arbitrator.

“BSNL had deducted payments to the tune of Rs 145.02 crore for trenching done at a depth lesser than 165 cms duly approved by BSNL, due to legitimate site constraints. STL filed its claims towards wrongful imposition of depth penalty by BSNL. The arbitrator has rejected STL’s claims vide award dated April 18, 2024,” STL said in the filing.