Cable damage: BSNL not to block Airtel

BSNL had issued a notice for disconnecting to Airtel from its network on July 7 this year over a cable damage dispute.

Operators dig earth during while laying cables and during the process cables laid by the other operators sometimes get damaged.

Bharti Airtel had admitted before TDSAT that it has caused damages to BSNL8217;s cable at three places. However,it said that BSNL8217;s demand was exaggerated.

The tribunal said if BSNL is allowed to disconnect the point of interconnections of Bharti Airtel then 8220;not only the petitioner Airtel but also its subscribers may suffer substantial injury8221;.

8220;The balance of convenience also lies in favour of Airtel in as much as in the event this petition is ultimately dismissed,BSNL can be monetarily compensated by directing it to pay the demanded amount together with interest,8221; said the TDSAT bench headed by its Chairman Justice S B Sinha.

Meanwhile,the tribunal also asked Airtel to pay Rs three lakhs to BSNL,the liability admitted by it for PSU8217;s cable damage before TDSAT,within a week.