Bharti Airtel and Tata Teleservices are required to pay close to Rs 100 billion to the government by March 31, 2026 towards their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. According to officials, in the absence of any relief similar to that granted to Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi), both companies must pay the instalment in line with the Supreme Court’s order. Any failure to comply would be treated as contempt of court.
Airtel had earlier approached the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), requesting a reassessment of its AGR dues on the same basis as Vi. However, the DoT clarified that the relief was specific to Vi. It added that any other operator seeking similar concessions would need to approach the Supreme Court. So far, no company has done so.
Officials indicated that Airtel is required to pay over Rs 50 billion, while Tata Teleservices’ dues exceed Rs 40 billion. The payable amount is expected to be higher once accrued interest is included.
