The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has rejected petition filed by Loop Telecom seeking a refund of Rs 22.31 billion from the government. The company has been seeking the amount regarding its entry fee and interest for permits that were acquired in 2008 and subsequently cancelled by the Supreme Court in 2012.
TDSAT has reportedly stated that it cannot order any directive on the matter until the ongoing criminal trial against the company is completed. Loop Telecom is currently facing a criminal trial with regards to the grant of 2G licence to it. The tribunal also contended that refund for outside of the Contract Act and in exercise of constitutional power is beyond the powers granted to it. It also added that Loop Telecom must approach the apex court and seek appropriate relief. Meanwhile, the tribunal allowed the Department of Telecommunications to raise a demand of Rs 587 million as liquidated damages and the claim for licence fee for up to June 2012.
In its petition, Loop Telecom had sought a refund of the entry fee of Rs 14.54 billion. The operator had also demanded Rs 7.37 billion as the interest on the principal amount for the period – January 10, 2008 to April 31, 2012.
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