SC notice to Anil Ambani on contempt plea

The top court bench of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Vineet Saran sought response from Ambani on the contempt plea by Vishal Garg, the authorised representative of Ericsson India, who has contended that RCOM was in breach of top court’s August 3, 2018 and October 23, 2018 orders directing it to pay Ericsson Rs 550 cr.

The other two respondents in the contempt plea are Satish Seth – Chairman, Reliance Telecom Ltd and Chhaya Virani – Chairman, Reliance Infratel Ltd. The court gave five weeks’ time to respond to the notice. Reacting to Monday’s order, an RCom spokesperson said: “The SC has given four weeks’ time to file its response to the contempt petition filed by Ericsson. Ericsson has been given one week’s time to file its rejoinder. The matter will be taken up for hearing thereafter.”

“RCOM has deposited a partial payment of Rs 131 cr to Ericsson from the operational funds available with the company. RCOM has taken all required steps towards enabling the settlement and remains fully committed to make the payment to Ericsson from the proceeds of the spectrum sale.”