Bombay HC quashes retrospective one-time spectrum levy on Airtel, Vodafone Idea

Regulatory 8 Jun 2026 · Ruling· ◔ Reported

The Bombay High Court struck down the Centre's decision to retrospectively levy a one-time spectrum charge on Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea for spectrum held above 6.2 MHz between 1 July 2008 and 31 December 2012. A bench of Justices Manish Pitale and Shreeram Shirsat held the move was beyond the Union's contractual and statutory powers as licensor, quashed two 2012 Cabinet decisions and the demand notices, and directed that bank guarantees be returned. The Court held Section 4 of the Telegraph Act does not permit unilateral retrospective changes to licence financial terms.

CounselDMD Advocates, Bharucha & Partners, Union of India
SectorTelecom

Sources

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