New Delhi, June 8 -- In a relief for telecom operators Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, the Bombay High Court on Monday quashed the government's demand notices seeking one time spectrum charges (OTSC) over the levy on spectrum held beyond 6.2 megahertz (MHz) from 2008 onwards.

In the 13-year legal battle, this ruling would potentially provide a total relief of over Rs.24,000 crore to the companies. According to the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) annual report of Bharti Airtel, it had disclosed a contingent liability towards OTSC of Rs.6,600 crore. Its total liability towards OTSC rose to Rs.16,500 crore as of March end 2025, including the interest of Rs.9,954 crore.

Vodafone Idea's exposure was at Rs.7,581 crore, as per its FY25 annual report....