The Electricity Department has informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that it is willing to re-examine its contentious order demanding Rs 12.6 crore in penalties and infrastructure usage charges from internet service providers (ISPs), provided they deposit Rs 3 crore plus 18% GST as an initial payment.
This assurance was given by Advocate General Devidas Pangam during the hearing of a writ petition filed by M/s Edgecom Telecommunications Private Limited. The petitioner, represented through its director Mahadev Govekar, challenged the February 17, 2025 order issued by the department’s executive engineer, Land Acquisition Cell.
The order in question had directed five ISPs and cable operators to pay penalties and charges for stringing their cables on electricity poles under the Goa Telecom Infrastructure Policy. The total amount demanded from all five operators was Rs 12.6 crore.
The petitioner contended that the department’s action was arbitrary and in violation of the “Right of Way” rules under the Indian Telegraph Act. It was further argued that no opportunity was given to the ISPs to be heard before the order was passed, thereby denying them principles of natural justice.
Senior Advocate Subodh Kantak, appearing for the petitioners, sought time to make an appropriate statement before the court in light of the department's conditional offer.
Following the submissions, the High Court adjourned the matter for further hearing to Tuesday, June 10.