Telecom tribunal asks DoT to adjust excess Rs 755 crore collected from Vi

In a move that may bring relief to Vodafone Idea (Vi), a telecom tribunal has told the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to adjust Rs 755.52 crore collected from the ailing telco against its statutory dues, The Economic Times (ET) reported on Tuesday. The sum was collected from Vi as a part of its merger-related liabilities. It has been asked to return within 15 days from December 15.

In 2018, the DoT had asked Vi to pay Rs 3,926.34 crore for its spectrum liabilities linked to the merger between Vodafone and Idea Cellular. Vi decided to approach the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal against the order. However, the dues were later revised down to Rs 3,170.82 crore.