SC reserves order on Ericsson's contempt plea against RCom chief Anil Ambani, others

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Wednesday reserved its verdict on Ericsson India’s plea seeking contempt action against Reliance Communications Ltd (RCom) chairman Anil Ambani and two others for non-clearance of its Rs 550-crore dues.

A bench of justices R F Nariman and Vineet Saran said it is reserving its verdict.

During the hearing, senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for Ericsson India, said there was wilful disobedience of apex court’s orders and contempt action should be initiated against them.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for RCom, countered the argument and said no contempt was made as no orders of the apex court were violated.

Ambani, Reliance Telecom Ltd chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel Ltd chairperson Chhaya Virani, were present in the courtroom.

The court had on October 23 last year asked RCom to clear the dues by December 15, 2018, saying delayed payment would attract an interest of 12 per cent per annum.

The plea by Ericsson had sought that the court direct Ambani and the lenders forum to hand over the Rs 550 crore with interest from sale proceeds as per the October 23 order.