2G scam: SC seeks answers from Centre, telecos

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre and 11 licencee companies on a plea seeking cancellation of 2G spectrum licenses.


The companies were given 2G spectrum licences during former Telecom minister A Raja's tenure.
The companies allegedly did not fulfil the roll out obligations as per the terms and conditions of allocation of the 2G spectrum. The apex court also impleaded TRAI as a respondent in the petition.

A Bench comprising justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly sought the response from the Department of Telecom and the companies within three weeks and posted the matter for hearing on February 1.

"After considering submission of the petitioner's counsel that since TRAI has sent a letter dated November 15, 2010 to Secretary, DoT, which indicated that many companies have not complied with the roll out obligation and not started the services, we deem it fit to entertain the petition," the bench said.