The Supreme Court of India has given four weeks’ time to debt-laden Reliance Communications to file its response to a contempt petition filed by Swedish telecom equipment manufacturer, Ericsson. Following which, Ericsson will have to file its rejoinder within a week.
Separately, RCom has deposited a partial payment of Rs 131 crore to Ericsson with the Supreme Court Registry, from the operational funds available with the company, a company spokesperson said.
On Sunday, the Anil Ambani group company had accused Ericsson — one of its operational unsecured creditors — of attempting a media trial and sensationalising the issue of dues recovery. It also said this might put the interest of even secured lenders at risk.
RCom said it remains committed to clearing the dues of Ericsson from spectrum realisation. However, the approval for the same is pending with the government.
Ericsson earlier moved the Supreme Court seeking initiation of contempt proceedings for the second time against RCom Chairman Anil Ambani for allegedly not complying with its order to clear dues of ₹550 crore.