A three-judge Bench led by Justice Arun Mishra also questioned the viability of the government’s 20-year ‘formula’ for telecom companies to repay their AGR dues to the tune of ₹1.42 lakh crore. How to secure (the dues)?” Justice Mishra asked. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, said the formula was chalked out considering the “impact” such huge pay-outs may have on the private telecom sector. Justice Mishra pointed out the court’s October 2019 judgment, directing telecom companies to pay AGR dues in three months, was completely silent with regard to public sector undertakings. We will punish them with contempt,” Justice Mishra told Mr. Mehta who suggested the court add a line in its order clarifying the judgment did not include PSUs.

Source: The Hindu June 11, 2020 17:19 UTC