The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Britain's Vodafone to initiate a second arbitration process under an India-UK investment pact over New Delhi's tax demand for more than $2 billion arising out of a deal that was struck a decade ago.

Vodafone, the world's second-largest mobile operator, entered India in 2007 by acquiring Hutchison Whampoa's wireless assets. It is contesting a tax bill of more than $2 billion relating to that acquisition .

Separately, Vodafone has already initiated an arbitration process under India's investment pact with the Netherlands.

ALSO READ : Not acceding to Indian jurisdiction in tax case: Vodafone to High Court

A two-judge panel of the Supreme Court said a second arbitration tribunal may be set up and its proceedings can begin after a regional court formally lifts a stay order on the move. The Delhi High Court is expected to rule on the case in January. Vodafone has already initiated an arbitration process over the matter under India's investment pact with the Netherlands.

ALSO READ : Tax row: Delhi High Court halts second arbitration by Vodafone

Vodafone, the world's second-largest mobile operator, entered India in 2007 by acquiring Hutchison Whampoa's wireless assets. It is contesting a tax bill of more than $2 billion relating to that acquisition.

The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that Vodafone was not liable to pay any tax over the transaction. But the federal government changed laws, allowing it to make retroactive tax claims on completed deals, a move that drew criticism from business groups. Vodafone, whose local unit is India's second-largest mobile carrier, has repeatedly said it was not liable to pay any tax over the Hutchison acquisition.

Vodafone India is in the process of merging its operations with smaller rival Idea Cellular to potentially create the biggest Indian telecom carrier. Earlier this year, tax authorities issued a penalty order to a unit of CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd for not paying taxes on the 2007 transaction.

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