The Telangana High Court intervened after the state ordered widespread removal of cables, including Bharti Airtel’s, from electricity poles in Hyderabad. Airtel approached the Court, contending that its optical fibre was lawfully deployed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Right of Way Rules, 2024, and that it has paid about Rs 210 million in pole rentals since 2021. Despite this compliance, officials of the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) allegedly removed the cables without prior notice, breaching due process and specific telecom regulations and disrupting internet and telecom services for millions of users, including hospitals, courts and businesses.
The Court voiced concern for both public safety and the continuity of telecom infrastructure, noting the absence of clear accountability among authorities and service providers after multiple fatalities linked to hanging cables. It underscored that while safety is paramount, essential digital services cannot be curtailed arbitrarily where permissions and rentals exist. The judge ordered an immediate pause on indiscriminate cable removal, allowing only the removal of unauthorised lines, those lacking proper permissions or payments.
Further, the matter is listed for hearing on October 30, 2025, with the central government directed to file a detailed response on the legality and process for cable installation and removal, and to weigh possible improvements to regulatory practices.
