The Indian government has asked Bharti Airtel and Tata Teleservices to clear around ₹10,000 crore in adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues by March 31, 2026, making it clear that no special relief will be provided.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has rejected requests from both companies seeking concessions similar to those granted to Vodafone Idea. Officials stated that the dues must be paid within the deadline in line with the Supreme Court of India ruling on AGR payments.
If the companies fail to meet the deadline, they could face legal consequences, including possible contempt of court proceedings. The government has emphasized that it is bound to follow the court’s order and cannot make exceptions in this case.
Out of the total dues, Airtel is expected to pay more than ₹5,000 crore, while Tata Teleservices may have to pay over ₹4,000 crore. The final amount could increase further due to accumulated interest.
The AGR issue has been a major challenge for telecom operators in India for several years. It relates to how revenue is calculated for the purpose of paying licence fees and spectrum usage charges to the government. The Supreme Court’s decision had widened the definition of revenue, significantly increasing the dues payable by telecom companies.
While Vodafone Idea recently received relief in the form of extended payment timelines and financial support, the government clarified that the move was specific to that company’s financial situation and does not set a general precedent.
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