Delhi High Court puts off hearing in Aircel dues case to March 12

The Delhi High Court Thursday adjourned hearing matters filed against Aircel Ltd, by GTL Infrastructure Ltd and American Tower Corporation (ATC), while assigning the next date of hearing to March 12.

Lawyers present in the court said that Aircel sought a week’s time for filing a rejoinder in the matter, and a few weeks more have been granted by the court for the opposing parties to file counters.

ATC has moved the court against Aircel to recover dues worth Rs 224 crore outstanding for lease of towers, while GTL Infrastructure is seeking recovery of about Rs 912 crore for outstanding payments and penalty for premature rent termination.

The legal issues have added to Aircel’s woes towards finding a suitable debt recast plan.

ET reported on Thursday that tower company Bharti Infratel is also considering moving court to recover its dues from Aircel. Troubles have only mounted for Aircel which faced suspension of inter-connection with Idea Cellular, due to payments of almost Rs 60 crore due to the Aditya Birla owned company.

The Delhi High Court will hear the matter to decide if GTL Infra’s plea that Aircel should deposit money in court is valid.