The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has told foreign investors that it is committed to resolving any dispute arising from the Supreme Court’s cancellation of 122 2G licences. The Business Standard quoted letters sent to the likes of Telenor of Norway and Malaysia’s Axiata as saying: ‘Government of India confirms its commitment to engage in negotiations to amicably resolve any alleged dispute between the investor and the government of India.’ The declaration came after several investors served notices to the Indian government to settle disputes over the cancellation, citing the bilateral investment protection treaties signed between India and the investors’ home nations – namely Singapore, Mauritius and Malaysia.
In related news, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has instructed the DoT to provide copies of licences, amendments and additional spectrum issued by the telecoms ministry to Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India. The Hindu reports that the CBI is preparing a case against the two cellcos, charging the duo as well as ten government officials for allegedly entering into a conspiracy to acquire additional spectrum in the Mumbai and Delhi circles in violation of regulations. Airtel and Vodafone have denied the allegations, saying that they have maintained compliance with laws and regulations and cooperated with agency officials.