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

During the hearing, Ambani, Reliance Telecom Ltd chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel Ltd chairperson Chhaya Virani were present in the courtroom. On behalf of Ericsson India, senior advocate Dushyant Dave said there was wilful disobedience of the Supreme Court’s orders and contempt action should be initiated against Ambani and RCom officials.

Dave’s arguments were countered by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi who contended no contempt was made as no orders of the court were violated.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 annum.

Ericsson India had sought that the court should direct Ambani and the lenders forum to hand over Rs 550 crore with interest from sale proceeds as per the October 23 order. It wanted the three alleged contemnors to be “detained in civil prison” unless they paid the money in terms of the court’s order. It had also sought directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs to prevent Ambani, Satish Seth and Chhaya Virani from leaving the country.