Airtel to Seek AGR Recalculation from Govt After SC Voda Idea Order: Vittal

Bharti Airtel will approach the government to seek a recalculation of its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues after the Supreme Court allowed the Centre to reassess Vodafone Idea’s pending payments, as per the news reports. Airtel’s Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Gopal Vittal, said the company will begin discussions with the government in the coming days. 

The decision comes after the court permitted a full review of all AGR dues instead of restricting it to a single financial year.

Supreme Court Ruling on Vodafone Idea

The Supreme Court’s order modified its earlier direction and allowed the government to carry out a comprehensive reassessment of Vodafone Idea’s AGR dues up to FY17. Vodafone Idea’s total liability is now estimated at around ₹83,500 crore, compared with ₹58,254 crore earlier. The additional demand of ₹9,450 crore includes ₹5,606 crore for the year 2016-17.

Airtel’s Current Dues & Payment Plan

Airtel’s AGR dues are estimated to be about ₹44,000 crore. According to a company filing, the total liability stands at ₹38,604 crore as of March 2025. The first instalment of ₹5,054 crore is due in the current financial year. 

Airtel had previously sought a review of its dues, citing calculation discrepancies, but the requests were rejected. The company, along with Vodafone Idea, had also opted for deferred payment of AGR dues under the government’s telecom relief measures.

Previous Requests for Conversion

Airtel had earlier asked the Department of Telecommunications to convert its AGR dues of nearly ₹40,000 crore into equity, similar to Vodafone Idea’s arrangement. The government had approved Vodafone Idea’s request in 2021, converting dues of ₹36,950 crore into equity and taking a 49% stake in the company. 

Airtel estimated that such a move would have resulted in the government holding around 3-4% in the carrier.

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Conclusion

After the Supreme Court’s latest order, Airtel will approach the government to request a reassessment of its AGR dues. The outcome of this process will depend on the government’s decision regarding the recalculation.

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