Centre asks for time for decision on appealing against int’l arbitration award in Vodafone’s favour

New Delhi: The Centre Tuesday sought time in the Delhi High Court to respond whether it would challenge an international arbitration tribunal’s award in favour of telecom major Vodafone under the India-Netherland Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) in connection with Rs 22,100 crore tax demand. A bench of Justices Rajiv Sahai Endlaw and Asha Menon was informed by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma that the instructions are still awaited as the decision is to be taken by the empowered committee of the Central government, which has not met.

The ASG’s reply came on the court’s query raised on October 7 as to whether it intends to abide by the international arbitration tribunal’s decision or will challenge it further.