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Govt files petition in SC on fourth cell licence

The government on Monday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking transfer of cases relating to fourth cellular licences to the apex court.

"The Department of Telecommunication has filed a petition in the Supreme Court today (Monday) for transfer of cases relating to fourth cellular licences," an official spokesperson said.

Sources said that the decision to move SC, came after the department took legal opinion on various aspects of the litigation filed in high courts which have halted the process of finalisation of fourth cellular slot in 17 circles.

DoT had earlier filed a caveat in the apex court in view of the dismissal of a petition against finalisation of licences for fourth cellular slot by Bombay high court, to prevent any party to the case at Bombay from obtaining any ex-parte orders on the issue.

DoT had received the third and final financial bids for the fourth cellular slot on July 19 but did not open the bids in view of stay order by Bombay High Court on a petition filed by VSNL Employees Federation, which was vacated later.

In a three-stage bidding process, Sunil Mittal promoted Bharti Group was leading the tally for acquiring licences for at least six circles including Bombay.

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