Parliament Question: Relaxation to Telecom Companies

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 469 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25TH MARCH, 2026 RELAXATION TO TELECOM COMPANIES *469. SHRI MATHESWARAN V S: Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that Airtel Telecom Company has also requested the Ministry to seek relaxation in Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues in line with relief given to Vodafone Telecom company and if so, the details thereof; and (b) if not, the reasons for giving relaxation to Telecom Companies in AGR dues as it is a loss to Public Exchequer by the Government? ANSWER MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA) (a) & (b) A statement is laid on the Table of the House. 1STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) and (b) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 469 FOR 25TH MARCH, 2026 REGARDING “RELAXATION TO TELECOM COMPANIES.” (a) & (b) Yes, sir. A representation has been received from Bharti Airtel Limited requesting for relief in respect of its Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues, citing relief granted to Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL). The Hon’ble Supreme Court, vide its judgement dated 1.9.2020 in M.A. (D) No. 9887 of 2020 in Civil Appeal Nos. 6328-6399 of 2015, decided the AGR dues of all telecom service providers. Subsequently, the Hon’ble Supreme Court, vide its order dated 27.10.2025, in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 882 of 2025 filed by VIL, permitted reconsideration of the AGR dues of VIL and clarified that the said order is passed only with regard to VIL. Restructuring of the AGR dues of VIL has been carried out in compliance with the said order. ***** 2