The spat between Unitech and Telenor has intensified, with the Indian real estate major questioning its Norwegian partner for allowing Mr Sigve Brekke to continue to be Uninor's chief despite not getting security clearance. According to rules specified for telecom companies, foreigners holding top positions are required to get security clearances every year. Mr Brekke had applied for the clearance in November but has not got the approval so far.

When contacted, the Telenor spokesperson said that the delay in getting clearance was due to procedural issues within the Government.

“Mr Brekke accepted the position of MD of Uninor after full security clearance from the DoT. The extension of this clearance has been applied for and is currently being processed. We have not received any query or request for any additional information of any sort from the DoT regarding this process. Furthermore, it is commonplace for procedural delays at the DoT for such processes and these have happened for several other expat MDs of Indian telecom companies,” the Telenor spokesperson said.

Unitech had raised this issue along with Telenor's Pakistan connection at Uninor's board meeting on Thursday. At the meeting, Unitech and Telenor agreed to set up two committees to manage expenses and projects undertaken by Uninor. The two committees will be headed by the nominees of Unitech.

But there are differences on the mandate of these committees. The two partners also differ on the need for a rights issue, with Unitech opposing the move.

> tkt@thehindu.co.in

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