The Supreme Court of India has once again postponed the hearing of Vodafone Idea’s plea seeking a waiver of interest, penalties, and interest on penalties related to its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues.
Originally scheduled for October 6, the hearing has now been deferred to October 13, 2025.
The delay follows a request from the government for additional time to prepare, which was not opposed by Vodafone Idea’s legal counsel. The court emphasized the need for a comprehensive examination of the matter, indicating no immediate relief for the telecom operator.
Vodafone Idea has challenged the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) fresh demand of ₹5,606 crore for the financial year 2016–17, arguing that these claims fall outside the scope of the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment on AGR liabilities.
The company contends that the dues were already addressed in previous proceedings, and the new demands are unjustified. The government’s request for more time suggests ongoing discussions, possibly aiming for a negotiated settlement.
The deferral of the hearing has had an immediate impact on Vodafone Idea’s stock performance. As of 1:25 PM IST on October 6, 2025, the company’s shares were trading at ₹8.35 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), marking a decline of over 5% from the previous close.
Earlier in the session, the stock touched an intraday low of ₹8.33, reflecting investor apprehension regarding the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the AGR dues.
This development adds to the financial strain on Vodafone Idea, which is already grappling with substantial debt and operational challenges.
The company’s total liabilities, including AGR dues and penalties, are estimated to exceed ₹2 lakh crore. The government’s 49% stake in the company, acquired through the conversion of dues into equity, underscores its significant interest in resolving the issue.
However, recent statements from government officials indicate that no further financial support will be extended to Vodafone Idea beyond the existing equity conversion.
The outcome of the Supreme Court’s hearing on October 13 will be crucial for Vodafone Idea’s financial stability and future operations.
A favorable ruling could alleviate some of the company’s financial burdens, while an unfavorable decision may exacerbate its challenges, potentially affecting its ability to compete in the highly competitive Indian telecom market.
Investors and industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the proceedings, as the implications extend beyond Vodafone Idea to the broader telecom sector and its regulatory landscape.
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