TELECOM DISPUTES SETTLEMENT & APPELLATE TRIBUNAL
NEW DELHI
Dated 11
th
April, 2012
Petition No.491 of 2011
Aircel Limited (Maharashtra) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.492 of 2011
Aircel Limited (A.P.) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.493 of 2011
Aircel Limited (Gujarat) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.494 of 2011
Aircel Limited (Rajasthan) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.495 of 2011
Aircel Limited (Mumbai) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent2
Petition No.496 of 2011
Aircel Limited (Karnataka) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.497 of 2011
Aircel Limited (Delhi) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.498 of 2011
Aircel Limited (Punjab) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.499 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (U.P. East) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.500 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Kerala) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.501 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (M.P.) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent3
Petition No.502 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Haryana) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.503 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (U.P.West) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.504 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Kolkata) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.505 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Orissa) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.506 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (North East) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.507 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Himachal Pradesh) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.508 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (W.B.) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
4
Petition No.509 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Bihar) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.510 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Assam) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.511 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Jammu & Kashmir) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.512 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Chennai) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
Petition No.513 of 2011
Dishnet Wireless Limited (Tamilnadu) …Petitioner
Vs.
Union of India,New Delhi …Respondent
BEFORE:
HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE S.B.SINHA, CHAIRPERSON
HON’BLE MR. P.K.RASTOGI, MEMBER
For Petitioners : Mr. Meet Malhotra, Senior Advocate
Mr.R.S.S. Chauhan,Advocate
For Respondent : Mr. Ruchir Mishra,Advocate 5
P.K.RASTOGI, MEMBER
JUDGMENT
These petitions are filed by the petitioners seeking a direction
against the respondent to reduce or revise the Financial Bank
Guarantee (FBG) and release the Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG)
in terms of Clause 21.2 & 21.1 respectively of the license.
2. These petitions were filed on 21.12.2011 and there was no
request for any interim order. The respondent filed its reply on 9
th
March 2012 and rejoinder was filed on 12
th
March 2012.
On 14
th
March 2012, the parties were heard for passing interim
order. However, it was realized that the petitioners have not
requested for any interim relief, so, these petitions were posted again
on 20
th
March 2012 under the heading “To Be Mentioned”. On that
day these petitions were heard in detail for final disposal.
3. Mr. Meet Malhotra, the learned senior counsel for the petitioner
states that although the relief is sought for both PBG and FBG, he is
not pressing for the release of FBG for the present. Accordingly, no 6
order is being passed with regard to the relief sought for FBG.
However, the petitioner will be at the liberty to approach this Tribunal,
if any occasion arises thereafter on the same cause of action.
4. The petitioner submitted that it had till date completed its entire
roll out obligations (namely 1
st
phase of 10% as well as 2
nd
phase of
50%) in its telecom circles. The respondent was mandated and obliged
to first reduce and thereafter release the balance PBG as per the
license conditions. On the coverage of 10% of the area in the
respective telecom circle, the PBG was to be reduced to 50% and
thereafter on completion of 50% rollout obligations and on receipt of
test certificate by the TEC, the balance PBG was to be released. By a
letter dated 23.11.2011, the petitioner had represented to the
respondent to release the PBG in terms of the license but the same
has not been done so far.
5. The petitioner further submitted that the Liquidated Damages
(LD) were levied against the petitioner in terms of clause 34 of the
licence by the respondent, for alleged delay in fulfilling the 10% rollout obligation within the stipulated time period. However, the
petitioner, without prejudice to its rights and contentions had paid the 7
entire amount of the liquidated damages as demanded by the
respondent.
6. Therefore, the petitioner prayed this Tribunal for directing the
respondent to release the PBG in terms of clause 21.1 of the license;
7. On the other hand, the respondent submitted that for reduction
or release of PBGs, the recovery of the LD has to be ensured, if any,
and there should be no breach of terms and conditions of the license
by the licensee accordingly.
(a) Wherever the cases are clear from all angles i.e. no LD is
pending for recovery & the coverage + launch of service of
services criteria are met (as per new requirement of TRAI), PBG
can be reduced.
(b) PBG can not be reduced till it is decided whether there is
any breach in terms and condition of the license by this licensee.
8. With respect to status of imposition of LD, the respondent
submitted that out of 14 UAS licenses issued in the year 2006, Interim
LDs of Phase-I have been Imposed on the licensees of 7 services 8
areas namely Delhi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, UP (W)
& UP (E). Final amount of LD is yet to be calculated.
In respect of another 7 services areas namely AP, Gujarat,
Rajasthan, Haryana, Kolkata, MP, & Punjab, maximum LD i.e. Rs.7.00
Crores in each case for delay in 1st phase of rollout obligations have
been imposed. Show Cause Notices (SCNs) for termination of licenses
have also been issued to these licensees. Replies against these SCNs
are under examination.
In respect of 7 UAS licenses issued in the year 2004,
examination of compliance of Roll Out obligations and calculation of
LD, if any, for both 1
st
year and 3
rd
year Roll Out obligations also
depend on the decision about the reference start date. The imposition
of LD is pending in respect of these 7 licenses.
As regards remaining 2 licenses i.e. Tamilnadu and Chennai
Service Area issued prior to year 1999, the detail is being worked out
and will be submitted separately.
9. In its further submission, the respondent stated that order dated
13.01.2012 regarding Liquidated Damages, this Tribunal has given 9
various observations and directed department to re-examine the
compliance of rollout obligation.
In respect of reference date from which the rollout obligation
starts, the order dated 13.01.2012 was split in 1:1 ratio and the
deliberations on implementation of this court order is underway which
is very important for the reason that the date from which calculation of
rollout obligation is to be done, is necessary for deciding whether
rollout obligation have been duly and timely fulfilled.
The reference end date, the date which is to be considered as
the date of compliance of the rollout obligations, depends on the legal
opinion & subsequent decision on the TRAI recommendations dated
14.07.2011 regarding compliance of rollout obligations decision on
Legal opinion is awaited as the PBG, amongst other reasons, cannot be
released or reduced unless rollout obligation under the licence
agreement have been timely and fully complied with and without any
breach of terms and conditions of licence.
10. The petitioner, rebutted the contention of the respondent and
submitted that the reduction/release of PBGs should be strictly in
accordance with the license conditions. The same cannot be diluted, 10
altered, changed by the DoT. Additional requirements cannot be read
with the terms and conditions of the license. The TRAI’s
recommendations are not relevant in the present case.
The learned senior counsel further offered that the amount of
PBG may be released in all cases which have no dispute and wherever
there is a dispute or controversy, I do not want that the interest of my
client suffer by linking up these cases.
11. For considering the issue of release of PBG in these petitions, we
would like to notice the relevant provisions of the licence :
“Clause 21.1 Performance Bank Guarantee (as amended)
Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) in prescribed format shall be
submitted for amount equal to Rs. 20/10/2 crores (for category
„A‟/‟B‟/‟C‟ Service area) before signing the Licence Agreement.
Further on completion of one year from the effective date of
licence and after meeting the coverage criteria stipulated from
the effective date of licence and after meeting the coverage
criteria stipulated from first year, the PBG shall be reduced to
Rs. 10/5/1 crores for category „A‟/‟B‟/‟C‟ Service area on self –
certification provided by the Licensee.
Further on fulfilling the roll out obligations as stipulated in Clause
34, the balance PBG shall be released on receipt of tests
certificate/test certificates issued by TEC in respect of coverage.”
“21.5 Without prejudice to its rights of any other remedy,
LICENSOR may encash Bank Guarantee (FBG as well as PBG) in 11
case of any breach in terms & conditions of the LICENCE by the
LICENSEE.”
“34. Roll-out Obligations:
34.1 LICENSEE shall be solely responsible for installation,
networking and operation of necessary equipment and systems
for provision of SERVICE, treatment of SUBSCRIBER complaints,
issue of bills to its subscribers, collection of its component of
revenue, attending to claims and damages arising out of his
operations.
34.2(a) Applicable for Category “A”, “B” and “C” Service Area
Licence(s)
LICENSEE shall ensure that :
(i) Atleast 10% of the District Headquarters (DHQs) will be
covered in the first year and 50% of the District
Headquarters will be covered within three years of
effective date of Licence.
(ii) The licensee shall also be permitted to cover any other
town in a District in lieu of the District Headquarters.
(iii) Coverage of a DHQ/town would mean that at least 90% of
the area bounded by the Municipal limits should get the
required street as well as in-building coverage.
(iv) The District Headquarters shall be taken as on the effective
date of Licence.
(v) The choice of District Headquarters/towns to be covered
and further expansion beyond 50% District
Headquarters/towns shall lie with the Licensee depending
on their business decision.
(vi) There is no requirement of mandatory coverage of rural
areas.”12
“35. Liquidated damages:
35.1 The time period for provision of the Service stipulated in
this Licence shall be deemed as the essence of the contract and
the service must be brought into commission not later than such
specified time period. No extension in prescribed due date will
be granted. If the Service is brought into commission after the
expiry of the due date of commissioning, without prior written
concurrence of the licensor and is accepted, such commissioning
will entail recovery of Liquidated Damages (LD) under this
Condition. Provided further that if the commissioning of service
is effected within 15 calendar days of the expiry of the due
commissioning date then the Licensor shall accept the services
without levy of LD charges.
35.2 In case the LICENSEE fails to bring the Service or any part
thereof into commission (i.e., fails to deliver the service or to
meet the required coverage criteria/ network roll out obligations)
within the period prescribed for the commissioning, the Licensor
shall be entitled to recover LD charges @ Rs. 5 Lakh (Rupees:
Five Lakhs) per week for first 13 weeks; @ Rs 10 lakhs for the
next 13 weeks and thereafter @ Rs. 20 lakhs for 26 weeks
subject to a maximum of Rs. 7.00 crores. Part of the week is to
be considered as a full week for the purpose of calculating the LD
charges. For delay of more than 52 weeks the Licence may be
terminated under the terms and conditions of the Licence
agreement. The week shall means 7 Calendar days from (from
midnight) Monday to Sunday; both days inclusive and any extra
day shall be counted as full week for the purposes of recovery of
liquidated damages.
12. However, the license condition 34 and 35 with regard to roll out
obligation were amended on 10
th
February 2009. The amended
provisions may be read as :
“Subject: Amendment to the Unified Access Services (UAS)
Licencee Agreement for Roll-Out obligations.13
The issues regarding Roll-Out Obligations and imposition of
Liquidated damages in various service areas have been under
consideration of the Licensor and the undersigned is directed
to convey that in exercise of the power vested in the Licensor
under clause 5.1 of Universal Access Service License
Agreement, inter-alia, reserving the right to modify at any
time the terms and conditions of the LICENCE, in public
interest, security of the nation or proper conduct of the
SERVICE, the Licensor has prescribed the following criteria for
Roll-Out Obligations and imposition of Liquidated Damages,
from the date of migration by amending clause 8.1, 34 and
35 of the License:-
(i) Roll-out obligations shall apply for wireless network only and
not for wireline network.
(ii) The Licensee shall ensure that metro service area of Delhi,
Mumbai, Kolkatta and Chennai are covered within one year of
date of allocation of start up spectrum.
(iii) In non-metro service areas, the licensee shall ensure that in
first phase of roll out obligation at least 10 % of DHQs where
startup spectrum has been allocated are covered within one year
of such spectrum. The date of migration or date of allocation of
frequency whichever is later shall be considered for computing a
final date of roll-out obligation.
(iv) Further, in second phase of roll-out obligation, the licensee
shall ensure that at least 50% of DHQs, where start up spectrum
has been allocated are covered within three years of date of
migration or date of allocation of such spectrum whichever is
later in non-metro service areas.
…….
……..
(xi) Date of registration by TEC/TERM is to be treated as date of
meeting the roll-out obligation in case of coverage criterion is
met for roll-out obligation on testing.
(xiii) PBG shall be encashed to the extent of the Liquidated
Damages.”14
13. The petitioner made a representation to the respondent on
23.11.2011 whereby it requested the respondent to release of PBG as
per clause 21.1 of the licence agreement as huge sum of Rs. 210
crores are being set aside for providing Bank Guarantees towards
margin and an additional amount towards bank charges, which was a
huge financial cost burden on it.
We may see the relevant contents of the said letter:
“As you are aware, based on the DoT guidelines stipulated in the
Letter of Intents for award of licence to provide Unified Access
Services in various telecom service areas, we have submitted
Performance Bank Guarantees before the date of signing License
agreements and renewing it on regular basis. The details are
given below :
Circle name BG Amount (Rs.) Existing BG No.
Andhra Pradesh 200,000,000 0999910BG0000823
Delhi 200,000,000 0999910BG0000819
Gujarat 200,000,000 0999910BG0000820
Haryana 100,000,000 0999910BG0000645
Karnataka 200,000,000 0999910BG0000821
Kerala 100,000,000 0999910BG0000647
Kolkata 200,000,000 0999910BG0000641
Maharashtra 200,000,000 0999910BG0000824
MP 100,000,000 0999910BG0000644
Mumbai 200,000,000 0999910BG0000822
Punjab 100,000,000 0999910BG0000646
Rajasthan 100,000,000 171020141350-AP
U P (E) 100,000,000 0999910BG0000642
U P (W) 100,000,000 0999910BG0000643
In this connection, we wish to bring to your kind notice that as
stipulated in Clause No. 34 of the Licence Condition, we have
fulfilled the Roll Out Obligations in our circles and paid maximum
LD charges wherever we missed the target. Copy of our letters 15
intimating completion of Roll out / payment of LD charges are
enclosed for your reference please.”
14. In TDSAT order dated 28.09.2011 in Petition No. 314 of 2011
between Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd. Vs. Union of India, the
Tribunal had held that :
“The moot question which arises for consideration is as to
whether the Clause 34.1 providing for a roll out obligation would
be covered under Clause 21.1 of the license.
Before adverting to the said question, however, it may be placed
on record that whereas performance bank guarantees are
required to be furnished before commencement of service by the
licensee, financial bank guarantees, prima facie, are required to
be furnished inter alia to secure the revenue of the State.
Whereas Clause 34.1 of license agreement envisages the
contractual obligations on the part of a licensee both before and
after the obligation thereunder is carried out.
Clause 34.2 essentially deals with the coverage aspect of the
matter. In the event of failure on the part of the licensee to
fulfill its obligation under the Clause 34.2, indisputably, liquated
damage clause can be invoked.
It may be true that both Clauses 34.1 and 34.2 refer to roll out
obligations but the same must be read having regard to the
circular letter of the respondent dated 10.2.2009 providing for
the date of meeting of the roll out obligation and empowering
the State to encash the performance bank guarantee to the
extent of liquidated damages.
A bank guarantee is a tripartite contract between the parties
thereto as also the bankers.
When a performance bank guarantee is furnished the same
cannot be invoked in a case where performance by the licensee
is not in question. 16
By reason of the amendment, in the license, clarifications were
sought to be made. Liquidated damages are imposed in terms of
a formula provided for in the license itself.
The maximum amount of liquidated damages can be invoked if
the roll out obligations is delayed by 52 weeks to the extent of
Rs.7 crores.”
It further held that :
“A bare perusal of Clause 21.1 would clearly go to show that at
the first instance i.e. after one year the same has to be reduced
to 50%. The period of one year has been fixed keeping in view
only the roll out obligations on the part of the licensee, sofar as
the coverage of the license areas are concerned.
The interest of public has been kept in view therefor. The extent
of damages by way of liquidated damages have been quantified
on the basis of length of delay caused by the licensee in
providing for the telecom service contemplated under the
licenses.
Upon successful completion of the roll out obligations, the
performance bank guarantees are to be released.
For the purpose of disposal of this petition, I would assume that
the petitioner has failed to comply with its roll out obligations as
envisaged in Clause 34.2. The consequences therefor have been
laid down in Clause 35 as also paragraph 13 (xiii) of the
aforementioned circular letter dated 10.2.2009.
The act of the UOI must be kept confined within the purview of
Clause 21 sofar as the so called roll out obligation of the license
as envisaged in Clause 34.1 is concerned, as it has explicitly
been said therein that the liability of the licensee in terms
thereof is absolute and he is solely responsible for the matters
provided for therein.
The UOI has clearly absolved itself to pay any damages either to
the licensee or to the consumers, even if any occasion arises
therefor sofar as the obligations on the part of the licensee are 17
concerned. The provision of the performance bank guarantees
clearly show that it could be invoked only when the licensor
suffer any damages.
Even assuming for the sake of argument that a licensor incurs
any liability in terms of Clause 31.4, the same has to be
demanded. A cause of action therefor must arise. A cause of
action can arise both before and after the roll out obligations are
met.
If Mr. Mishra‟s submissions are to be accepted, no occasion
would arise for reduction of the amount of the performance bank
guarantee and ultimate release thereof. It cannot, therefore, be
given any effect. Performance bank guarantees would,
therefore, have to be kept alive for the entire term of the license
i.e. 20 years.”
15. We may apply the findings in aforementioned order in the facts
and circumstances of this case. At the time of hearing, the petitioner
submitted a chart showing full details of each circle alongwith the date
of startup spectrum, No. of districts covered for Ist phase roll out
alongwith dates and the districts covered for 2
nd
phase roll out
alongwith dates of registration and test certificate issued by the TERM
cell. The relevant details are :
“Sl.
No.
Service
Area
Petition
no.
GSM start
up
spectrum
Total
number
of
district
Number of
district
covered in
10% roll
out
Registrati
on with
TERM1st
Phase
(10%)
Number of
district
covered in
50% roll
out
Registrati
on with
TERM 2nd
Phase
(50%)
Certifica
tes
issued
by Term
Cell
1
Maharasht
ra
491/11 10-Jan-08 36 4 16-Oct-09 14 14-Dec-10 18
2
Andhra
Pradesh
492/11 10-Jan-08 23 2 8-Jan-10 10 24-Nov-10 1218
3 Gujarat 493/11 11-Jan-08 29 3 5-May-10 12 7-Jan-11 15
4 Rajasthan 494/11 11-Jan-08 33 3 6-Apr-10 14 4-Jan-11 17
5 Mumbai 495/11 11-Jan-08 1 1 31-Aug-09 NA NA 1
6 Karnataka 496/11 10-Jan-08 29 3 9-Sep-09 12 1-Dec-10 15
7 Delhi 497/11 11-Jan-08 1 1 24-Aug-09 NA NA 1
8 Punjab 498/11 11-Jan-08 22 2 18-Aug-10 9 6-Jan-11 11
9 U.P. East 499/11 11-Jan-08 48 5 31-Aug-09 19 27-Jan-11 24
10 Kerala 500/11 10-Jan-08 15 2 25-Sep-09 6 22-Nov-10 8
11
Madhya
Pradesh
501/11 11-Jan-08 68 7 8-Apr-10 27 7-Jan-11 34
12 Haryana 502/11 11-Jan-08 21 2 30-Apr-10 9 10-Jan-11 11
13 U.P. West 503/11 11-Jan-08 37 4 7-Jul-09 15 21-Dec-10 19
14 Kolkata 504/11 5-Apr-07 1 1 6-Jul-09 NA NA 1
15 Orissa 505/11 24-Dec-04 30 3
29-May-
08
12 9-Mar-09 15
16 North East 506/11 22-Jul-04 52 5 25-Mar-09 21 4-Aug-10 8
17
Himachal
Pradesh
507/11 13-Mar-06 12 1 27-Jun-07 5 2-May-08 6
18
West
Bengal
508/11 15-Dec-04 24 2 19-Sep-07 10
22-May-
09
12
19 Bihar 509/11 7-Feb-06 60 6 10-Mar-08 24 17-Jun-09 17
20 Assam 510/11 22-Jul-04 23 2 4-Mar-08 10
28-May-
10
11
21
Jammu &
Kashmir
511/11 1-Sep-04 14 1 28-Jun-06 6 30-Aug-07 7
22 Chennai 512/11 14-Jun-95 1 1 - NA NA 1
23 Tamilnadu 513/11 10-Dec-98 32 3
24-May-
99
13
25-May-
01
16”
16. The names of DHQs/Towns/Metro covered for Ist phase roll out
obligation and 2
nd
phase roll out obligation are also shown below for
clarity : “Sl
.
No
.
Service
Area
Details of
Districts,
DHQ/Town/Metr
o
Date of
Applicati
on
Submissi
on
( Form
"A")
Date of
Registr
ation
with
TERMce
ll DHQ/
Town/
Metro
Issuan
ce of
test
certifi
cate
by
TERM
registr
ation
with
TERM1
st
Phase
(10%)
Details of Districts,
DHQ/Town/Metro
Date of
Applica
tion
Submis
sion
("A")
Date of
Registra
tion
with
TERMcel
l
DHQ/To
wn/Met
ro
Issuance of
test
certificate
by TERM
1
Maharash
tra
Alandi ((Distt.
Pune)
11-Aug-
09
10-Sep-
09
8-Apr-
10
16-Oct-
09
Ambad (Distt. Jalna)
22-Nov-
10
6-Dec-10 28-Feb-11
Khopoli (Distt.
Raigad)
12-Aug-
09
7-Oct-09
30-
Dec-10
Bicholim (Distt. South
Goa)
5-Oct-
10
25-Oct-
10
25-Feb-11
Nalasopara (Distt.
Thane)
22-Jul-09
16-Oct-
09
8-Jul-
10
Chrchorem (Distt. North
Goa)
5-Oct-
10
25-Oct-
10
25-Feb-11
Sinnar (Distt. Nasik
)
7-Aug-09
16-Oct-
09
27-Jul-
10
Dharur (Distt. Beed)
6-Dec-
10
14-Dec-
10
28-Feb-11
Ashta (Distt. Sangli)
20-Aug-
10
3-Sep-10 15-Mar-11
Shirdi
(Distt.Ahemadnagar)
20-Aug-
10
3-Sep-10 30-Dec-10
Kurundwad (Distt.
Kolhapur)
20-Aug-
10
8-Sep-10 30-Dec-10
Mohapa (Distt. Nagpur)
6-Dec-
10
13-Dec-
10
28-Feb-11
Pandharpur (Distt.
Solapur)
6-Dec-
10
13-Dec-
10
3-Aug-11
Sindi (Distt. Wardha )
22-Nov-
10
6-Dec-10 28-Feb-11
Tuljapur (Distt.
Osmanabad)
6-Dec-
10
14-Dec-
10
3-Aug-11
Vaijapur (Distt.
Aurangabad)
5-Oct-
10
25-Oct-
10
28-Feb-11
Vengurla (Distt.
Sindhudurg)
22-Nov-
10
6-Dec-10 25-Feb-11
Wai (Distt. Satara)
20-Aug-
10
3-Sep-10 15-Mar-11
2
Andhra
Pradesh
Mangalagiri (Distt.
Guntur)
8-Sep-09
15-Sep-
09
7-Jan-
09
8-Jan-
10
Kamareddy (Distt.
Nizamabad)
11-Nov-
10
24-Nov-
10
29-Dec-10
Janagoan (Distt.
Warangal)
31-Dec-
09
8-Jan-10
22-
Mar-10
Sangareddy (Distt.
Medak)
11-Oct-
10
24-Nov-
10
29-Dec-10
Saluru (Distt.
Vizianagaram)
11-Oct-
10
25-Oct-
10
30-Nov-10
Srikalahasti (Distt.
Chittor )
23-Aug-
10
14-Sep-
10
29-Dec-1020
Machlipatnam (Distt.
Krishna )
29-Jul-
10
6-Aug-10 11-Oct-10
Pithapuram (Distt. East
Godavari)
29-Mar-
10
1-Apr-10 17-Jun-10
Narsapur (Distt. West
Godawari)
29-Mar-
10
1-Apr-10 17-May-10
Jagityal (Distt. Karim
Nagar)
17-
May-10
24-May-
10
17-Jun-10
Anakapally (Distt.
Vishakhapatnam )
1-Jul-
10
9-Jul-10 27-Aug-10
Bhongiri (Distt.
Nalgonda)
18-Jan-
10
20-Jan-
10
22-Mar-10
3 Gujarat
Balva (Distt.
Ahmedabad)
26-Apr-
10
5-May-
10
2-Jul-
10
5-May-
10
Gariyadhar (Distt.
Bhavnagar)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Dehgam (Distt.
Gandhinagar)
26-Apr-
10
5-May-
10
13-Jul-
10
Chalala (Distt. Amerli)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Mahudha (Distt.
Kheda)
26-Apr-
10
5-May-
10
13-Jul-
10
Halvad (Distt.
Surendranagar)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Tharad (Distt. Banas
Kantha)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Bantwa (Distt.
Junagadh)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Bhayavadar (Distt.
Rajkot)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Songadh (Distt. Tapi)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Prantij (Distt. Sabar
Kantha)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Padra (Distt. Vadodara)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Dhrol (Distt. Jamnagar)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Kheralu (Distt.
Mahasana)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
Kutiyana (Distt.
Porbandar)
21-Dec-
10
7-Jan-11 8-Apr-11
4 Rajasthan
Behror (Distt.
Alwar)
16-Mar-
10
6-Apr-10
10-
Sep-10
6-Apr-
10
Sanchore (Distt. Jalore)
14-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
29-Apr-11
Chomu (Distt.
Jaipur)
16-Mar-
10
6-Apr-10
10-
Sep-10
Deogarh
(Distt.Rajsamand)
20-Dec-
10
3-Jan-11 23-May-11
Srimadhopur
(Distt. Sikar)
16-Mar-
10
6-Apr-10
10-
Sep-10
Gajsinghpur (Distt.
Ganganagar)
20-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
8-Apr-11
Kumher (Distt.
Bharatpur)
20-Dec-
10
3-Jan-11 11-Apr-11
Nokha (Distt. Bikaner)
20-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
11-Apr-11
Sangaria 20-Dec- 30-Dec- 12-Apr-1121
(Hanumangarh) 10 10
Jhalrapatan (Distt.
Jhalawar)
22-Dec-
10
3-Jan-11 15-Apr-11
Nainwa (Distt. Bundi)
22-Dec-
10
3-Jan-11 11-Apr-11
Newai (Distt. Tonk)
22-Dec-
10
3-Jan-11 24-May-11
Pokharan (Distt.
Jaisalmer)
22-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
11-Apr-11
Sheoganj (Distt. Sirohi)
22-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
8-Apr-11
Sumerpur (Distt. Pali)
22-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
8-Apr-11
Bilara (Distt. Jodhpur)
20-Dec-
10
4-Jan-11 12-Apr-11
Todabhim (Distt.
Karauli)
22-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
8-Apr-11
5 Mumbai Metro
18-Aug-
09
31.08.20
09
31-12-
2010
31-
Aug-09
NA NA NA
6 Karnataka
Maddur (Distt.
Mandya)
13-Jul-09
9-Sep-
09
12-
Dec-09
9-Sep-
09
Aland (Distt.Gulbarga)
24-Nov-
10
1-Dec-10 24-Mar-11
Chickballapur
(Dist. Chickballapur
)
13-Jul-09
9-Sep-
09
23-
Dec-09
Anekal (Distt. Bangalore
Urban)
26-Jul-
10
9-Nov-10 24-Mar-11
Dodda Ballapur
(Distt. Bangalore
Rural)
13-Jul-09
9-Sep-
09
23-
Dec-09
Annigeri (Distt.
Dharwad)
28-Oct-
10
9-Nov-10 24-Mar-11
Gajendragad (Distt.
Gadag)
24-Nov-
10
1-Dec-10 24-Mar-11
Savanur (Distt. Haveri)
28-Oct-
10
9-Nov-10 24-Mar-11
Sakaleshpura (Distt.
Hassan)
26-Jul-
10
9-Nov-10 24-Mar-11
Mahalingapura (Distt.
Bagalkot)
24-Nov-
10
1-Dec-10 24-Mar-11
Mudalgi (Distt. Belgaum)
24-Nov-
10
1-Dec-10 24-Mar-11
Birur
(Distt.Chikmagalore)
28-Oct-
10
9-Nov-10 24-Mar-11
Shikaripura (Distt.
Shimoga)
28-Oct-
10
9-Nov-10 24-Mar-11
Sindgi (Distt. Bijapur)
26-Jul-
10
9-Nov-10 24-Mar-11
Sira (Distt. Tumkur)
24-Nov-
10
1-Dec-10 24-Mar-1122
7 Delhi Metro
24-Aug-
09
28-
Sep-10
24-
Aug-09
NA NA NA
8 Punjab
Banga (Distt.
Nawanshahr)
4-Aug-10
18-Aug-
10
27-
Sep-10
18-
Aug-10
Doraha (Distt. Ludhiana)
24-Dec-
10
6-Jan-11 28-Feb-11
Nakodar (Distt.
Jalandhar)
4-Aug-10
18-Aug-
10
27-
Sep-10
Bhawanigarh (Distt.
Sangrur)
24-Dec-
10
6-Jan-11 28-Feb-11
Sultanpur Lodhi (Distt.
Kapurthala)
24-Dec-
10
6-Jan-11 28-Feb-11
Sham Chaurasi (Distt.
Hoshiarpur)
24-Dec-
10
6-Jan-11 28-Feb-11
Ramdass
(Distt.Amritsar)
24-Dec-
10
6-Jan-11 28-Feb-11
Shri Hargobindpur (Distt.
Gurdaspur)
24-Dec-
10
6-Jan-11 28-Feb-11
Talwandi Bhai (Distt.
Ferozpur)
24-Dec-
10
6-Jan-11 28-Feb-11
Sangat Mandi (Distt.
Bhatinda)
24-Dec-
10
6-Jan-11 28-Feb-11
Bassi Pathana (Distt.
Fatehgarh Sahib)
29-Dec-
10
6-Jan-11 28-Feb-11
9 U.P. East
Ramnagar (Distt.
Barabanki)
30-Jun-
09
24-Aug-
09
31-
Dec-10
31-
Aug-09
Ramnagar (Ditt.
Varanasi)
10-Jan-
11
12-Jan-
11
14-Jul-11
Nawabganj (Distt.
Unnao)
30-Jun-
09
24-Aug-
09
31-
Dec-10
Mahrajganj (Dist.
Mahrajganj)
10-Jan-
11
12-Jan-
11
6-Jun-11
Pukhrayan (Distt.
Kanpur Dehat)
30-Jun-
09
24-Aug-
09
31-
Dec-10
Mubarkpur (Distt.
Azamgarh)
10-Jan-
11
12-Jan-
11
14-Jul-11
Khaga (Distt.
Fatehpur)
30-Jun-
09
24-Aug-
09
31-
Dec-10
Khalilabad (Distt. Sant
Kabir Nagar)
10-Jan-
11
12-Jan-
11
14-Jul-11
Biswan (Distt.
Sitapur)
30-Jun-
09
31-Aug-
09
31-
Dec-10
Gursahaiganj (Distt.
Kannauj)
7-Jan-
11
10-Jan-
11
14-Jul-11
Gaura Barhaj (Distt.
Deoria)
7-Jan-
11
10-Jan-
11
2-Jun-11
Utraula (Distt.
Balrampur)
7-Jan-
11
10-Jan-
11
2-Jun-11
Rasra (Distt. Ballia)
7-Jan-
11
10-Jan-
11
2-Jun-11
Mogra Badshahpur
(Distt. Jaunpur)
21-Sep-
10
10-Jan-
11
2-Jun-11
Jais (Distt. Raibareily)
10-Jan-
11
11-Jan-
11
2-Jun-11
Sandila (Distt. Hardoi)
10-Jan-
11
11-Jan-
11
13-Sep-11
Jalalabad (Distt.
Shahjahanpur)
21-Sep-
10
14-Jan-
11
13-Sep-11
Gopiganj (Distt. Sant
Ravidas Nagar)
21-Sep-
10
14-Jan-
11
6-Jun-1123
Ayodhya (Distt.
Faizabad)
21-Sep-
10
14-Jan-
11
13-Sep-11
Ghatampur (Distt.
Kanpur Nagar)
21-Sep-
10
19-Jan-
11
14-Jul-11
Nanpara (Distt.
Bahraich)
21-Sep-
10
19-Jan-
11
6-Jun-11
Nawabganj (Distt.
Gonda)
21-Sep-
10
19-Jan-
11
14-Jul-11
Gola Gokarnath (Distt.
Kheri)
21-Jan-
11
27-Jan-
11
6-Jun-11
Chandauli (Distt.
Chandauli)
17-Jan-
11
27-Jan-
11
6-Jun-11
10 Kerala
Vaikom (Distt.
Kottayam )
29-Jul-09
21-Aug-
09
15-
Dec-09
25-
Sep-09
Varkkala (Distt.
Thiruvananthapuram)
13-Oct-
10
20-Sep-
10
15-Dec-10
North Paravur
(Distt. Ernakulam)
17-Sep-
09
25-Sep-
09
18-
Feb-10
Kasargod (Distt.
Kasargod)
18-
May-10
29-Jun-
10
14-Dec-10
Mavelikkara (Distt.
Alappuzha)
22-Mar-
10
12-Apr-
10
14-Dec-10
Thirur (Distt.
Malappuram)
29-Sep-
10
28-Oct-
10
30-May-11
South Paravur (Distt.
Kollam)
21-Oct-
10
22-Nov-
10
30-May-11
Chalakudy (Distt.
Thrissur)
7-Jul-
10
11-Aug-
10
14-Dec-10
11
Madhya
Pradesh
Biaora (Distt.
Rajgarh)
11-Mar-
10
8-Apr-10
9-Jul-
10
8-Apr-
10
Waraseoni (Distt.
Balaghat)
27.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 21-Apr-11
Khurai (Distt.
Sagar)
11-Mar-
10
8-Apr-10
7-Jul-
10
Sironj (Distt. Vidisha)
27.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 21-Apr-11
Pipariya (Distt.
Hashangabad)
11-Mar-
10
8-Apr-10
10-Jul-
10
Manawar (Distt. Dhar)
23.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 21-Apr-11
Sehore (Distt.
Sehore)
11-Mar-
10
8-Apr-10
8-Jul-
10
Porsa (Distt. Morena)
23.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 9-Aug-11
Sujalpur (Distt.
Sujalpur)
15-Mar-
10
8-Apr-10
13-Oct-
10
Mahidpur (Distt. Ujjain)
23.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 15-Jul-11
Sihora (Distt.
Jabalpur)
11-Mar-
10
8-Apr-10
12-Oct-
10
Mailher (Distt. Satna)
24.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 14-Oct-11
Raisen (Distt.
Raisen)
11-Mar-
10
8-Apr-10
6-Jul-
10
Tikamgarh (Distt.
Tikamgarh)
28.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 14-Oct-11
Panna (Distt. Panna)
28.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 14-Oct-11
Hatta (Distt. Damoh)
20.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 14-Nov-11
Amla (Distt. Betul)
27.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 6-Apr-11
Kotma (Distt. Shahdol)
23.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 15-Jul-11
Gohad (Distt. Bhind)
29.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 12-Aug-1124
Nainpur (Distt. Mandla)
29.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 21-Apr-11
Gadarwara (Distt.
Narsimhapur)
29.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 21-Apr-11
Jaora (Distt. Ratlam)
29.12.1
0
6-Jan-11 15-Jul-11
Pandhurna (Distt.
Chhindwara)
29.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 6-Apr-11
Seoni (Distt. Seoni)
30.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 21-Apr-11
Umaria (Distt.Umaria)
30.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 15-Jul-11
Barwaha (Distt. West
Nimar)
31.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 21-Apr-11
Shivpuri (Distt. Shivpuri)
29.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 9-Aug-11
Sidhi (Distt. Sidhi)
29.12.1
0
7-Jan-11 21-Apr-11
Mungeli (Distt. Bilaspur)
31.12.1
0
5-Jan-11 26-Apr-11
Dalli-Rajhara (Distt.
Durg)
31.12.1
0
5-Jan-11 22-Jun-11
Kawardha (Distt.
Kawardha)
03.01.1
1
5-Jan-11 22-Jun-11
Bhatapara (Distt. Raipur)
03.01.1
1
5-Jan-11 23-Jun-11
Dongargarh (Distt.
Rajnandgaon)
03.01.1
1
5-Jan-11 23-Jun-11
Naila-Janjgir (Distt.
Janjgir-Champa)
31.12.1
0
5-Jan-11 26-Apr-11
12 Haryana
Nilokheri
(Distt.Karnal)
22-Mar-
10
30-Apr-
10
17-
Sep-10
30-
Apr-10
Uchana (Distt. Jind)
20-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
19-Apr-11
Shahbad
(Distt:Kurukshetra)
22-Mar-
10
30-Apr-
10
6-Sep-
10
Pundri ( Distt. Kaithal)
20-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
19-Apr-11
Beri (Distt. Jhajjar)
20-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
19-Apr-11
Naraingarh (Distt.
Ambala)
20-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
19-Apr-11
Kharkhoda (Distt.
Sonipat)
20-Dec-
10
30-Dec-
10
19-Apr-11
Rainia (Distt. Sirsa)
24-Dec-
10
10-Jan-
11
19-Apr-11
Kanina (Distt.
Mahendergarh)
24-Dec-
10
10-Jan-
11
19-Apr-11
Loharu (Distt. Bhiwani)
24-Dec-
10
10-Jan-
11
19-Apr-11
Bawal (Distt. Rewari)
24-Dec-
10
10-Jan-
11
19-Apr-1125
13 U.P. West
Muradnagar (Distt.
Ghaziabad)
22-Jun-
09
7-Jul-09
8-Apr-
10
7-Jul-
09
Bilari (Distt. Moradabad)
7-Dec-
10
21-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Sewal Khas (Distt
Meerut)
22-Jun-
09
7-Jul-09
8-Apr-
10
Suar (Distt. Rampur)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Budhana (Distt.
Muzaffarnagar)
22-Jun-
09
7-Jul-09
10-
Feb-10
Sirsaganj (Distt.
Firozabad)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Eaitmadpur (Distt.
Agra)
22-Jun-
09
7-Jul-09
8-Apr-
10
Asara (Distt. Baghpat)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Ujhani (Distt. Budaun )
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Achalda (Distt Auraiya)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Vikas Nagar (Distt.
Dehradun)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Anupshahr (Distt.
Bulandshahar)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Barkhera (Distt. Pilibhit)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Chatta (Distt. Mathura)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Jaswant Nagar (Distt.
Etawah)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Khair (Distt Aligarh)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Patiyali (Distt. Kashiram
Nagar)
7-Dec-
10
21-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Nawabganj (Distt.
Bareilly)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
Sikandra Rao (Distt
Hathras)
29-Nov-
10
14-Dec-
10
18-Apr-11
14 Kolkata Metro
25-May-
09
6-Jul-09
19-
Aug-10
6-Jul-
09
NA NA NA17. From the chart at para 16, it may be seen that for circles from
serial 1 to 14, the petitioner has fulfilled the Ist phase roll out with
certain delays for which the respondent has imposed liquidated
damages. In case of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana
and Kolkatta maximum penalty of Rs. 7.00 crores was imposed while
in other cases certain amount of L.D. was imposed. According to the
respondent, these LDs were initial L.D. only. However, Rs. 74.00
crores was imposed as L.D. for failure of Ist phase roll out in these 14
circles. The respondent has not shown any record that additional L.D.
has been imposed in any of these 14 circles.
This Tribunal vide an order and judgment dated 13-01-2012 in
Petition No. 1 of 2011 and other connected petitions (including that of
the petitioner; petition no. 122 to 135 of 2011) quashed the amount of
Liquidated Damages (LD) imposed upon the petitioner by the
respondent for non fulfillment of the first phase (i.e. 10%) roll out
obligations with a direction to the respondent to consider the issues
afresh after giving an opportunity to the petitioner. The order further
directed the respondent to return all such demand paid by the
petitioner i.e. 74 crore (approximately) alongwith an interest @ of
12% within one month from the date of the order.27
18. What is relevant for fulfilling the 2
nd
phase roll out obligation
after the amendment to license condition 34 and 35, is the date of
registration by TEC/Term Cell which will be treated as date of
fulfillment of roll out obligation if the coverage criteria is met on
testing.
19. It is seen that the petitioner has fulfilled its roll out for the 2
nd
phase within three years of issue of start up spectrum. In all these
cases, the test certificate has been issued by TERM Cell based on
registration with Term Cell, it is seen that the roll out obligation have
been completed in all the cases starting from November 2010 to Jan
2011. If the roll out of 2
nd
phase has been done within 3 years of
date of start up spectrum, there is no need to go into the issue of
various contentious issues related to definition of start up spectrum,
delay in SACFA clearance etc. These become immaterial. Therefore,
we do not agree with the submissions of the respondent that they are
unable to decide the same due to our order dated 13.01.2012.
20. Therefore, we are of the opinion that the petitioner is entitled for
the release of PBG in respect of (a) Maharashtra; (b) Andhra Pradesh ;
(c) Gujarat; (d) Rajasthan; (e) Mumbai ; (f) Karnataka; (g) Delhi; (h) 28
Punjab; (i) Uttar Pradesh(East); (j) Kerala; (k ) Madhya Pradesh; (l)
Haryana; (m) Uttar Pradesh(West); (n) Kolkatta.
However, if the LD amount imposed on the petitioner is to be
released, the petitioner will provide the PBG to the equal extent.
21. The chart shows that there was abnormal delay in meeting out
the roll out obligation for the Ist phase in respect of following circles :
Orissa, North-East, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, J & K
There is a delay in meeting Ist phase roll out obligation in case
of Himachal Pradesh also.
According to the respondent, the calculation of LD for both Ist
and 2
nd
phase roll out obligation has to be done and the same is
pending for calculation by them. The respondent cannot hold the
PBGs indefinitely without taking any action on its part. In view of the
abnormal delay in fulfilling its Ist phase roll out obligation by the
petitioner, we do not propose to order any release of PBG at present in
respect of these seven circles. However, the respondent is directed to
take expeditious action for calculation of the LD amount, if any, and as
early as possible but not later than 3 months. The petitioner will be at 29
liberty to approach this Tribunal, if any occasion arises thereafter on
the same cause of action.
22. Regarding Tamil Nadu and Chennai Circles, i.e. Petition Nos.
512 of 2011 and 513 of 2011, the petitioner got CMTS licenses and not
UASL licenses. The relevant conditions related to PBG and roll out
obligations are different. Therefore, we do not propose to pass any
order at present in respect of these circles. The Petition No. 512 and
513 of 2011 will be heard separately.
23. In view of the aforementioned reasons, these petitions are partly
allowed in terms of aforementioned directions. There shall be no
order as to costs.
…………….....
(S.B. Sinha)
Chairperson
…………….....
(P.K. Rastogi)
Member
/NC/
