Telecom package is valid — Govt

However, cellular operators association of India (coai)counsel gopal subramaniam, quoting court’s December six order said it had observed that the new package after approval of the cabinet, has to be ratified by parliament.

The ntp, which had become a major issue during last LokSabha elections, was challenged by an ngo, Delhi science forum (dsf) on the ground that it was brought by the then caretaker BJP-led government to provide benefit to the operators.

Dsf counsel requested the court to ask the government toat least place the terms and conditions of licences under the ntp, before the court.

Meanwhile, court clubbed together a petition moved byadvocate B L wadhera about a year ago, seeking placement before the court entire facts regarding revenue aspect under the old licence fee regime.

Quoting comptroller and auditor general’s report,wadheara claimed that private operators were provided benefits worth Rs. 1,500 crore at the cost of department of telecom (DOT) since 1994, under licence fee scheme.