VSNL files a lawsuit against the union government, seeking a compensation of Rs 25.6 billion for premature termination of its monopoly in ILD voice telephony

Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) has filed a lawsuit against the union government in the Bombay High Court, seeking a compensation of Rs 25.6 billion for premature termination of its monopoly in ILD voice telephony. In its petition, the company has said that the government has failed to keep its commitment that VSNL would be allowed to retain its monopoly till March 31, 2004. DoT, through a letter dated July 28, 2000, had terminated VSNL’s monopoly in voice telephony in 2002, two years ahead of the promised date.