TDSAT reserves order in Rs 1,200-cr RInfra-Etisalat DB case

**New Delhi:**Telecom tribunal TDSAT todayreserved its order over the plea of Anil Ambani group companyRInfra that is claiming Rs 1,200 crore dues from Etisalat DBfor using its telecom towers and other infrastructure.

A TDSAT bench headed by Justice SB Sinha reserved itsorder after hearing the arguments of RInfra and Etisalat DB, aJV between UAE-based telecom major Etisalat and DB group.

During the proceedings, Standard Chartered Bank, which is asecured creditor of Etisalat DB also put its arguments andopposed the claims of RInfra.

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The counsel appearing for Standard Chartered Bankcontended that Etisalat’s matter is already taken before theDebt Recovery Tribunal (DRT). He contended that RInfra can notask the secured creditors of Etisalat DB to sit out.

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Meanwhile, TDSAT passed orders in S-Tel matter, whereRInfra has approached tribunal for the similar prayer.“We are restraining (S-Tel) from transferring its propertyto a third party,” the tribunal had said while passing interim

order.

The TDSAT has made its ‘interim’ order restraining theChennai-based operator ‘absolute’, till the Delhi High courtpasses an order. The matter is also pending before the DelhiHigh Court.

However, the tribunal said RInfra would not deny access toS-Tel to its tower, where its equipments are lying.Etislat DB’s counsel also supported Standard Chartered andsaid that a receiver has been appointed by the DRT and soon a

liquidator may be appointed.

He further informed that there was a deadlock in thecompany. Its Indian directors have resigned, salaries are notbeing paid, statutory compliances are not done.According to him, claims against Etisalat DB have beenfiled before Delhi and Bombay High Courts and DRT and it wasnot in a possession to create a third party interest byselling the assets.

Both Etisalat DB and S-Tel had entered into an agreementwith the RInfra for sharing telecom infrastructure on a10-year lease in 2009.

However, following the recent Supreme Court decisioncancelling the licences of S Tel and Etisalat along with othernew entrants, RInfra moved the Telecom Disputes Settlement andAppellate Tribunal (TDSAT) for recovery of its alleged dues.

TDSAT’s directions came over a batch of petitionsfiled by RInfra, against Etisalat DB and S Tel, claiming Rs1,500 crore due over use of its telecom infrastructure.

PTI