DoT withdraws order on no-coercive action against telcos for unpaid AGR dues

MUMBAI: The telecom department has withdrawn its earlier order that had directed its circle offices not to take any “coercive action” against telcos that have not paid the statutory dues, said people familiar with the matter.
The Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) latest step comes on the back of severe flak it received from Supreme Court on Friday for not collecting AGR dues worth Rs 1.47 lakh crore despite court orders.

"A review has been dismissed. There's no stay,” said justice Arun Mishra who led the three-member bench on Friday. "But not a penny has been paid”, said Mishra. Both government and telcos incurred his wrath because his earlier order that telcos pay their dues by January 23 was not adhered to and the DoT refused to take action despite missed deadlines.

“An officer overrides a court order. What is happening? Officers are ruling this country?" observed Mishra and issued contempt notices to the DoT officer who had directed circles not to take any action against telcos.

The bench also asked the government to withdraw this order by the end of the day.