The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communication, seeking response on contempt plea filed by Ericsson India Private Limited within four weeks. The plea was filed by Ericsson India over non-payment of dues to the company to the tune of £55 million. Ambani's firm has agreed to deposit £11.8 million with the court's registry after accusing the unsecured creditor of sensationalising the issue and conducting a media trial. Ericsson has, however, refused to accept the offer.
Ambani has been given four weeks to explain why Ericsson's contempt plea should not be honoured and his firm said it remains committed to clear dues after sale of spectrum. Reliance Communications and Reliance Jio had written to the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) over the spectrum and mobile tower deal but the government has refused to provide immunity to elder Ambani's firm from any past-payment liabilities that may arise after the deal. The SC has also asked both the brothers to sit together and resolve disputes over sale of Anil's telecom business to Mukesh Ambani. The court made it clear that the deal will not be allowed if unless such issues are resolved.
