o) Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligationas a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will berequired from the Company and amounts can be estimated reliably. Timing or amount ofthe outflow may still be uncertain.
Provisions are measured at the estimated expenditure required to settle the present obligation,based on the most reliable evidence available at the reporting date, including the risks anduncertainties associated with the present obligation. Where there are a number of similarobligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined byconsidering the class of obligations as a whole. Provisions are discounted to their presentvalues, where the time value of money is material.
In those cases where the possible outflow of economic resources as a result of presentobligations is considered improbable or remote, no liability is recognized or disclosure ismade.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed in case of present obligation arising from past events,when it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligationor the amount cannot be estimated reliably.
Contingent assets are not recognised. However, when inflow of economic benefit is probable,related asset is disclosed.
p) Government grants
Government grants are recognised if it is sufficiently certain that the assistance will begranted and the conditions attached to assistance are satisfied. Where the grant relates tospecified asset, it is recognised as deferred income, and amortized over the expected usefullife of the asset. Other grants are recognised in the statement of profit and loss concurrent tothe expenses to which such grants relate/ are intended to cover.
Where the Company receives non-monetary grants, the asset and the grant are recordedgross at fair amounts and released to the statement of profit and loss over the expecteduseful life and pattern of consumption of the benefit of the underlying asset.
q) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, together withother short-term, highly liquid investments (original maturity less than 3 months) that arereadily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificantrisk of changes in value.
Statement of cash flow is being prepare in accordance with the requirements of IndianAccounting Standard (Ind AS) 7 "Statement of Cash Flows". Cash flows from operatingactivities is reported using the indirect method whereby profit or loss is adjusted for theeffects of transactions of a non-cash nature, any deferrals or accruals of past or futureoperating cash receipts or payments, and items of income or expense associated withinvesting or financing cash flows.
s) Adjustment pertaining to earlier years
Income from services and other income pertaining to prior years is not disclosed as priorperiod item for each individual transaction not exceeding ' 1.00 lakh and similarly itemsof expenditure for each individual transaction not exceeding ' 1.00 lakh are considered asexpenditure of current year.
In respect of other items of income (including operating income and other income) andexpenditure relating to prior periods, the net effect of which on retained earning does notexceed 1% of turnover is treated as income/expenditure of current year.
t) Equity, reserves and dividend payments
Share capital represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued. Share premiumincludes any premiums received on issue of share capital. Any transaction costs associatedwith issuing of shares are deducted from share premium account, net of any related incometax benefits.
Other components of equity include the following:
• Re-measurement of defined benefit liability - comprises the actuarial gain or loss fromchanges in demographic and financial assumptions and return on plan assets
• Reserve for contingencies
• Promoter's contribution - fair value of waiver of guarantee fee on debentures (NCD)
• General reserve
• Other transactions recorded directly in other comprehensive income.
Retained earnings include all current and prior period retained profits. All transactionswith owners of the parent are recorded separately within equity. Dividend distributionspayable to equity shareholders are included in other liabilities when the dividends havebeen approved in a general meeting prior to the reporting date.
Standards issued but not yet effective:
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCA") notifies new standards or amendment tothe existing standards under Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules as issuedfrom time to time. For the year ended March 31, 2025, MCA has notified Ind AS - 117Insurance contracts and amendments to Ind AS 116 - Leases, relating to sale and leasebacktransactions, applicable to the Company w.e.f. April 1, 2024. The Company has reviewedthe new pronouncements based on its evaluation has determined that it does not have anysignificant impact in its financial statements.
(i) Contractual obligations
Refer note 51 for disclosure of contractual commitments for the acquisition of intangibleassets.
(ii) Amortisation for the year has been included in line item 'Depreciation and amortisationexpense' in statement of profit and loss.
(iii) There was no expenditure incurred on research and development during the current andcomparative year.
(iv) The life of 3G Spectrum Licence will be expired on 07.08.2028.
Notes:
(a) Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture are stated at cost as per Ind AS 27 'Separate Financial Statements’.
(b) As per article 12.19 (b) of Shareholders' agreement together with para 27 of the amendatory agreement (together referred to as'amended agreement') entered into between MTNL, TCIL, TCL and NVPL (Nepal), together referred to as 'Investors' pursuant totheir investment in United Telecom Limited ('UTL'), in case NVPL (the local partner in Nepal) decides to sell its stake to any thirdparty, it requires prior consent of other Investors. Further, at any such point of time or otherwise also, as per exit clause in theagreement, any of the other Investors (India partners) other than NVPL can exit the arrangement after 2 years from the amendedagreement by issuing 3 months' notice.
Pursuant to this exit clause, the Company had issued notice to UTL on 30 January, 2018 for making an exit. The noticewere valid up to 30 April 2018 and subsequent to 30 April 2018, the local partner had sought time extension of another3 months i.e. till 30 July, 2018 for giving effect to the exit requested by the Company. However M/S NVPL vide itsletter dated 31 March 2021, has sent a draft SPA and requested MTNL & other associates to submit response in respect ofthe draft Share Purchase Agreement ('SPA') for acquisition of shares held by Indian Investors at face value of NepaleseRupees 100 per share and also CFO of UTL reminded on email on 17-6-21 to return agreed SPA. MTNL and other partnerssubmitted their consent to the SPA in September 2021. In view of inordinate delay in closing the issue all the Indianpartners met in May, 2023 and decided to explore legal option from local counsel of Nepal for enforcing the exit option.There is no further progress for giving effect to the exit clause from M/s NVPL. The net worth of the company is already negativeand there is no cash flow to support the investment and the company has not been involved in revenue generating activities sincelong period and even has not paid duties and taxes for the past years. The repatriation of funds seems to be impossible unlessclearance of dues of local government. Accordingly, the investment of Rs. 35.85 Crore was tested for impairment in line with IndAS 28 and impaired to nil value. However, the efforts to recover the investment proceeds as per exit clause will continue, as isbeing done, and the same shall be accounted for in the year of receipt, in the event of successful recovery.
(c) The physical share certificates of the subsidiary companies, namely Millennium Telecom Limited, Mahanagar TelephoneMauritius Limited and 30,68,200 shares of United Telecom Limited (Associate Company) are not traceable. Efforts are beingmade to trace the share certificates.
(i) Trade receivables have been pledged as security for liabilities, for details refer note 54.
(ii) No trade or other receivable are due from director or other officers of the Company eitherseverally or jointly with any other person. Further, no trade or other receivables are duefrom firms or private companies respectively in which any director is partner, director or amember.
(iii) Trade receivables are secured to the extent of security deposits received from customers,with contractual amounts as at 31 March 2025 of Rs.90.08 crores (31 March 2024 - Rs. 88.86crores) and related amortised cost as at 31 March 2025 of Rs. 40.33 crores (31 March 2024 -Rs. 40.14 crores).
(iv) Dues from the Operators being on account of revenue sharing agreements are not treatedas debtors and consequently are not taken into account for making provision for doubtfuldebts.
(v) The carrying values of trade receivables are considered to be a reasonable approximation offair values.
As of March 31, 2025, eight properties, two in Mumbai unit and six in Delhi unit, have beenclassified as Non-Current Assets held for sale. The carrying values of these properties are Rs.8.69 Crores (fair values Rs. 416.49 Crores). By virtue of Union Cabinet approval vide OM dated02.08.2022 for the monetization of land and buildings, management is actively engaged in theprocess of monetisation of eligible assets. The generated proceeds will be directed towardsBSNL/MTNL to address debt, capital expenditures (CAPEX), and other financial obligations. Theaim of these monetization endeavors is to strengthen MTNL's fiscal health, encompassing debtservicing, funding of capital expenditures, and provision for various financial needs to bolster thecompany's financial position.
In Mumbai unit, the tender to sell the scrapped assets (switches, BTS batteries etc.) having netthe carrying value of Rs. 1.68 Crore is under process for auction at the year March 31, 2025 andfavourable resolution is expected. Therefore, such assets continue to classify as held for sale.
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed,7.51% Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturityperiod of 10 years with redemption date being 06th March 2034. The coupon payment frequencyis semi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
*Debentures-Series 8C
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed, 7.80%Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturity periodof 10 years with redemption date being 07th November 2033. The coupon payment frequency issemi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
*Debentures-Series 8B
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed,7.61% Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturityperiod of 10 years with redemption date being 24th August 2033. The coupon payment frequencyis semi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
*Debentures-Series 8A
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed,7.59% Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturityperiod of 10 years with redemption date being 20th July 2033. The coupon payment frequency issemi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
*Debentures-Series 7E
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed,7.75% Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturityperiod of 10 years with redemption date being 24th March 2033. The coupon payment frequencyis semi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
*Debentures-Series 7D
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed, 7.80%Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturity periodof 10 years with redemption date being 24th February 2033. The coupon payment frequency issemi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
*Debentures-Series 7C
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed, 7.78%Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturity periodof 10 years with redemption date being 10th February 2033. The coupon payment frequency issemi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed, 7.87%Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturity periodof 10 years with redemption date being 01st December 2032. The coupon payment frequency issemi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
*Debentures-Series 7A
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed, 8.00%Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturity periodof 10 years with redemption date being 15th November 2032. The coupon payment frequency issemi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
*Debentures-Series 6
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed, 6.85% Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturity periodof 10 years with redemption date being 20th December 2030. The coupon payment frequency issemi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
*Debentures-Series 5
The Debentures as mentioned above are Government of India guaranteed, unsecured, listed,7.05 % Redeemable Non Convertible Debentures (in the form of Bonds) having tenure/maturityperiod of 10 years with redemption date being 11th October 2030. The coupon payment frequencyis semi annual interest payment. There was no instalment due as on the reporting date.
(ix) Government of India approved the financial support to the Company in the year 2014 andon surrender of Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) Spectrum by MTNL, upfront chargespaid by the Company in the year 2011 for such spectrum amounting to Rs. 4,533.97 croreswere agreed to be funded by way of issuance of debentures by the Company on behalf ofGovernment of India (GOI) and for which GOI provided sovereign guarantee with attendantcondition for repayment of principal on maturity as well as the interest payments throughDOT. Accordingly, the Company does not have any liability towards repayment of principaland interest on the bonds issued and has been offset against the amount recoverable fromDoT of equivalent amount. Out of Rs. 4,533.97 crores, Non Convertible Debentures of Rs.3,668.97 crores were redeemed during the current financial year and Rs. 865 Crores wereredeemed previous year.
i) Fair values hierarchy
Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financialposition are divided into three Levels of a fair value hierarchy. The three levels are definedbased on the observability of significant inputs to the measurement, as follows:
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for financial instruments.
Level 2: The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market isdetermined using valuation techniques which maximise the use of observable market datarely as little as possible on entity specific estimates.
Level 3: If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, theinstrument is included in level 3.
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty fails to discharge an obligation to the company. Thecompany is exposed to this risk for various financial instruments, for example by grantingloans and receivables to customers, placing deposits, etc. The company's maximum exposureto credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of following types of financial assets.
- cash and cash equivalents,
- trade receivables,
- loans & receivables carried at amortised cost, and
- deposits with banks and financial institutions.
a) Credit risk management
The Company assesses and manages credit risk based on internal credit rating system,continuously monitoring defaults of customers and other counterparties, identified eitherindividually or by the company, and incorporates this information into its credit riskcontrols. Internal credit rating is performed for each class of financial instruments withdifferent characteristics. The Company assigns the following credit ratings to each class offinancial assets based on the assumptions, inputs and factors specific to the class of financialassets.
Trade receivables
Credit risk related to trade receivables are mitigated by taking bank guarantees fromcustomers where credit risk is high. The Company closely monitors the credit-worthiness ofthe debtors through internal systems that are configured to define credit limits of customers,thereby, limiting the credit risk to pre-calculated amounts. The Group assesses increase incredit risk on an ongoing basis for amounts receivable that become past due and default isconsidered to have occurred when amounts receivable become past due in each businesssegment as follows:
(i) Cellular: Six months past due
(ii) Basic & other services: Three years past dueOther financial assets measured at amortised cost
Other financial assets measured at amortized cost includes loans and advances to employees,security deposits and others. Credit risk related to these other financial assets is managedby monitoring the recoverability of such amounts continuously, while at the same timeinternal control system in place ensure the amounts are within defined limits.
b) Expected credit losses
The Company provides for expected credit losses based on the following:
(i) 'The company recognizes lifetime expected credit losses on trade receivables using asimplified approach, wherein Company has defined percentage of provision by 'analysinghistorical trend of default relevant to each business segment based on the criteria definedabove. And such provision percentage determined have been 'considered to recognise lifetime expected credit losses on trade receivables (other than those where default criteria are
Other financial assets measured at amortised cost
Company provides for expected credit losses on loans and advances other than tradereceivables by assessing individual financial instruments for expectation of any credit losses.Since this category includes loans and receivables of varied natures and purpose, there isno trend that the company can draws to apply consistently to entire population For suchfinancial assets, the Company's policy is to provides for 12 month expected credit lossesupon initial recognition and provides for lifetime expected credit losses upon significantincrease in credit risk. The Company does not have any expected loss based impairmentrecognised on such assets considering their low credit risk nature, though incurred lossprovisions are disclosed under each sub-category of such financial assets.
B) Liquidity risk
Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketablesecurities and the availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed creditfacilities to meet obligations when due. Due to the nature of the business, the Companymaintains flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under committed facilities.
Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Company's liquidity position and cash andcash equivalents on the basis of expected cash flows. The Company takes into account theliquidity of the market in which the entity operates. In addition, the Company's liquiditymanagement policy involves projecting cash flows in major currencies and consideringthe level of liquid assets necessary to meet these, monitoring balance sheet liquidity ratiosagainst internal and external regulatory requirements and maintaining debt financing plans.
a) Foreign currency risk
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from foreign currencytransactions, primarily with respect to the US Dollar and Euro. Foreign exchange risk arisesfrom recognised assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is not the functionalcurrency of any of the Company entities. Considering the low volume of foreign currencytransactions, the Company's exposure to foreign currency risk is limited and the Companyhence does not use any derivative instruments to manage its exposure. Also, the Companydoes not use forward contracts and swaps for speculative purposes.
The Company's policy is to minimise interest rate cash flow risk exposures on long-termfinancing. At 31 March 2025 and 31 March 2024, the Company is exposed to changes ininterest rates through bank borrowings at variable interest rates. The Company's investmentsin fixed deposits carry fixed interest rates.
The Company's fixed deposits are carried at amortised cost and are fixed rate deposits.They are therefore not subject to interest rate risk as defined in Ind AS 107, since neitherthe carrying amount nor the future cash flows will fluctuate because of a change in marketinterest rates.
'The Company does not have any significant investments in equity instruments which createan exposure to price risk.
The Company' s capital management objectives are
- to ensure the Company's ability to continue as a going concern
- to provide an adequate return to shareholders
'The Company monitors capital on the basis of the carrying amount of equity less cash andcash equivalents as presented on the face of balance sheet.
Management assesses the Company's capital requirements in order to maintain an efficientoverall financing structure while avoiding excessive leverage. This takes into account thesubordination levels of the Company's various classes of debt. The Company manages thecapital structure and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditionsand the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capitalstructure, the Company may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, returncapital to shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets to reduce debt.
The Company provides for gratuity for employees in India as per the Payment of GratuityAct, 1972. Employees who are in continuous service for a period of 5 years are eligible forgratuity. The amount of gratuity payable on retirement/termination is the employees lastdrawn basic salary per month computed proportionately for 15 days salary multiplied forthe number of years of service.
The above sensitivity analysis are based on a change in an assumption while holding allother assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur and changes in some ofthe assumptions may be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefitobligation to significant actuarial assumptions the same method (present value of thedefined benefit obligation calculated with the projected unit credit method at the end of the
B Compensated absences
The leave obligations cover the Company's liability for sick and earned leaves. The Companydoes not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for the obligation shown as currentprovision balance above. However based on past experience, the Company does not expectall employees to take the full amount of accrued leave or require payment within the next12 months, therefore based on the independent actuarial report, only a certain amount ofprovision has been presented as current and remaining as non-current. Amount of Rs. 37.65crores (previous year: Rs. 32.02 crores) has been recognised in the statement of profit andloss.
C Defined contribution plans
Contributions are made to the Government Provident Fund and Family Pension Fund whichcover all regular employees eligible under applicable Acts. Both the eligible employees andthe Company make pre-determined contributions to the Provident Fund. The contributionsare normally based upon a proportion of the employee's salary.
D Gratuity and compensated absences is payable to the employees on death or resignation oron retirement at the attainment of superannuation age. To provide for these eventualities,the Actuary has used IALM (2012-14) Ultimate table for mortality in service and IALM(2012-14) table for mortality in retirement.
E Mortality in service is assumed on the basis of IALM (2012-14) Ultimate table for mortalityin service and IALM (2012-14) table.
F The Company has taken an Insurance Policy for medical benefits in respect of its retired andworking employees. The Insurance Policy is fully funded by the Company.
B In respect of incomplete contracts where the expenditure already incurred has exceededthe contract value, the additional expenditure required to complete the same cannot bequantified.
The Company has leases for office building, warehouses and related fcilities and cars.With the exception of short-term leases and leases of low-value underlying assets, eachlease is reflected on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. Variablelease payments which do not depend on an index or a rate are excluded from the initialmeasurement of the lease liability and right of use assets. The Company classifies its right-of-use assets in a consistent manner to its property, plant and equipment.
Each lease generally imposes a restriction that, unless there is a contractual right for theCompany to sublease the asset to another party, the right-of-use asset can only be usedby the Company. Some leases contain an option to extend the lease for a further term. TheCompany is prohibited from selling or pledging the underlying leased assets as security. Forleases over office buildings and other premises the Company must keep those propertiesin a good state of repair and return the properties in their original condition at the end ofthe lease. Further, the Company is required to pay maintenance fees in accordance with thelease contracts.
(a) Lease payments not included in measurement of lease liability
The expense relating to payments not included in the measurement of the lease liability isas follows:
The Company is in the process of seeking confirmation from its vendors regarding theirstatus under the Micro, Small and Medium Exterprises Development Act, 2006. The abovedisclosure has been determined to the extent such parties have been identified on the basisof information available with the Company.
56.A The Company is covered under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 and accordinglyconstituted a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the Board. However, as theCompany did not have average net profits based on the immediately preceding threefinancial years, the Company is not required to spend amounts towards Corporate SocialResponsibility in terms of the 2013 Act.
56. B During the year the Company has made expenditure in foreign currency equivalent to Rs.
0.34 crores (previous year Rs.0.32 crores). Whereas earnings in foreign currency are Rs. 1.30crores (previous year Rs. 0.12 crores).
(i) Disaggregation of revenue:
The Company earns revenue from multiple sources within the telecommunications sector,including but not limited to 'Basic & Other Services' and 'Cellular' services. In accordancewith the requirements of Ind AS 115 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers, revenueis disaggregated based on the nature of services and customer categories to reflect how thenature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economicfactors.
Further, revenue is also disaggregated based on the geographical location of operations,primarily comprising Mumbai and Delhi telecom circles.
(ii) Contract Balances
The Company classifies the right to consideration in exchange for deliverables as either areceivable or as unbilled revenue.
Trade receivable and unbilled revenues are presented net of impairment in the BalanceSheet.
A Since the change in ratio is less than 25%, no explanation is required to be furnished.
B The variation is because the revenue from operation has declined significantly due todisconnections and the working capital employeed has increased considering the lowercash inflows.
C The variation is because the revenue from operation has declined significantly due todisconnections, resultant increase in losses and increase in borrwings & interest cost.
D Due to delay in payment to trade payable and reduction in expenditure related to tradepayables.
E As the principal activities of the company are in the nature of services, so Inventory Turnover
ratio is not relevant.
60. Certain Lands and Buildings capitalized in the books are pending registration/legal vestingin the name of the company and the landed properties acquired from DOT have not beentransferred in the name of the company and in the case of leasehold lands. Stamp Dutyon the lands and buildings acquired from DOT is payable by DOT as per sale deed and inrespect of properties acquired after 01 April 1986, the documentation shall be contemplatedat the time of sale or disposal as and when effected. In certain cases of freehold and leaseholdland, the company is having title deeds which are in the name of the Company but the valueof which are not lying in books of accounts.
61. Department of Telecommunications (DOT) vide letter No. P-11014/19/2008-PP(Pt.I)dt. 28/12/2012 has levied One Time Spectrum Charges (OTSC) for the GSM and CDMAspectrum on MTNL. The charges also include the spectrum given on trial basis to the extentof 4.4 MHz in 1800 MHz frequency. For the period from 01/07/2008 to 31/12/2012, initial 6.2MHz spectrum was kept free and for the period from 01/01/2013 onwards, initial 4.4 MHzspectrum has been kept free. The calculations are further subject to change in accordance withthe changes in the quantum of spectrum held by MTNL and the remaining valid period oflicense as per DOT. MTNL has surrendered some of the spectrum allotted on trial basis anddoes not require to pay for CDMA spectrum since it holds only 2.5 MHz spectrum in respectof CDMA. DOT has been apprised of the same and the matter is still under consideration.Apart from this, the issue of charges for spectrum given on trial basis is also to be decided.Further MTNL has finally surrendered CDMA spectrum w.e.f. 28 February 2016. DOT hasdemanded an amount of Rs. 3,205.71 crores from MTNL on account of OTSC.
Besides, ab-initio, the very policy of levy of one time spectrum charges by DOTitself has been challenged by private operators and is sub judice as on date whereasMTNL's case is also to be decided by DOT on the basis of outcome of the courtcase and the spectrum surrendered or retained. The finalisation of charges and themodalities of payment are therefore to be crystallized yet and as on date the positionis totally indeterminable as to the quantum of charges and also the liability if any.Pending final outcome of the issue which itself is sub judice and non finality of quantumof charges payable, if at all, to DOT, no provision is made in the books of accounts as the
amount is totally indeterminable. However the contingent liability of Rs. 3,205.71 croresis shown on the basis of the demand raised by DOT in respect of GSM which is very oldand not insisted till date. As per industry related issue in litigation and TDSAT judgmentthere upon the estimated liability could not be more than Rs. 455.15 crore. As there is nofurther demand after the demand of Rs. 3,205.71 crores dated 08 January 2013 till now, thecontingent liablity aslo, if the same fructified, can not be more than Rs. 455.15 crore. As suchthe same is disclosed accordingly.
62. Certain claims in respect of damaged/lost fixed assets and inventory has been lodged withInsurance Companies by MTNL but the settlement of the claims is pending. Final adjustmentin respect of difference between amount claimed and assets withdrawn will be made in theyear of settlement of claim.
63. The Company had claimed benefit under section 80IA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for thefinancial year from 1996-97 to 2005-06. The appellate authorities have allowed the claimto the extent of 75% of the amount claimed. The Company has preferred appeals for theremaining claim before the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi. The Company has retainedthe provision of Rs. 375.96 crores (previous year Rs. 375.96 crores) for this claim for theassessment years 1998-99, 1999-00 and 2000-2001, however, the demands on this accountamounting to Rs. 243.22 crores (previous year Rs. 243.22 crores) for the assessment years2001-02 to 2006-07 have been shown as contingent reserve to meet the contingency that mayarise out of disallowances of claim of benefit u/s 80IA of Income Tax Act, 1961.
64. Litigations
a) In the matter of settlement of bonds with Canara Bank and Canfina in earlier year,the arbitrator, Mr. A. P. Shah published the award on 03.03.2022 against the companyfor Rs. 160 crores with simple interest payable @6% P.A. from 21-10-1993 and Rs.0.93 Crores was awarded as costs. MTNL filed OMP (COMM) No.312 of 2022 beforeHon'ble Delhi High Court to set aside the Award along with an IA No.14319 of 2022seeking unconditional stay on the operation of said award. Further, Canara Bank andCanfina also filed applications (Canara Bank's- OMP (ENF) (COMM) NO.147 of 2022and CANFINA's OMP (ENF) (COMM) NO.155 of 2022) for the enforcement of saidaward dated 03.03.2022. The company submitted the title deed of one of the propertiesas security before the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in terms of an order dated 10.05.2024.The next hearing of MTNL's OMP (COMM) No.312 of 2022 along with Canara Bank'sOMP and Canfina OMP is proposed on 23.07.2025. The amount of award along withinterest to be the tune of Rs 463.01 crores therefore has been disclosed as contingentliability.
b) MTNL entered into contracts with M/s. M & N Publications Limited for printing,publishing and supply of telephone directories for Delhi and Mumbai unit for a periodof 5 years starting from 1993. After printing and issue of 1993 (main & supplementary)and 1994 main directory, M/s. M & N Publications Ltd terminated the contractprematurely on 04 April 1996. MTNL, Mumbai & Delhi invoked Bank Guarantees on09 April 1996, issued Legal Notice on 22 July 1996 and terminated the contract. SoleArbitrator has been appointed by CMD, MTNL. The Sole Arbitrator has since givenhis award on 09 April 2013 partly in favour of MTNL, Mumbai and on 31 July 2013in favour of MTNL, Delhi. The claim and counter claim under arbitration will beaccounted for in the year when the ultimate collection/payment of the same becomesreasonably certain. M/s. M & N Publications has approached the Bombay & DelhiHigh Courts against the arbitration awards and MTNL also approached the Bombay& Delhi High Courts for balance amount due. The claim of Rs. 68.92 crores on thisaccount has been shown as contingent liability in Delhi unit.
c) As per directions of the Hon'ble Delhi High Court one UASL operator had paidto MTNL, Mumbai Rs. 124.93 crores and Rs. 33.99 crores in 2004-05 and 2005-06respectively against the claim of Rs. 158.92 crores. The Company has recognised theamount realized as revenue in the respective period. The UASL operator approachedthe Hon'ble TDSAT for rate discrepancies. The Hon'ble TDSAT has ordered for refundof Rs. 96.71 crores. MTNL has filed a Civil Appeal and application for stay of operationof the order of TDSAT in the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in which Supreme Courtdirected on 08 May 2014 that TDSAT will review the impugned order on seeking of itby appellant. MTNL filed review application which had been disposed off by Hon'bleTDSAT vide order dated 27 May 2014 on which MTNL filed CWP no.022764 dated16 July 2014 in Hon'ble Supreme Court and the same is pending. Meanwhile UASLoperator also filed appeal in Hon'ble Supreme Court. The claim of Rs. 96.71 crores onthis account has been shown as contingent liability.
d) MTNL Mumbai has received claims from M/s. BEST, Electricity supply providercategorizing MTNL at Commercial tariff instead of Industrial tariff. The claim hasbeen made with retrospective effect for the period Feb-2007 to May-2009 in respectof HT connection and Jan-2002 to Apr-2011 in respect of LT connection. MTNL hasrepresented to BEST for reconsideration which has not been accepted by BEST. HenceMTNL has approached Hon'ble Mumbai High Court and got a stay on the arrearsclaimed by BEST amounting to Rs. 20.82 crores. In the opinion of the management,there is remote possibility of the case being settled against MTNL.
e) In respect of Mobile Services Delhi, a sum of Rs. 25.78 crores claimed by TCL towardsILD charges for the period Oct-09 to March-10 has not been paid due to heavy spurtin ILD traffic towards M/S TCL. On technical analysis it was found that these callswere made to some dubious and tiny destination. These destinations do not confirmto international numbering plan of the respective countries and are not approveddestinations as per approved interconnect agreement. Further these calls have not gotphysically terminated to the destinations. The observations were shared with M/S TCL.M/S TCL has also been advised that the balance, which relates to fraudulent calls, isnot payable and accordingly no provision has been made in the books of accounts. Thematter was handed over to the committee for investigation. Subsequently M/S TCL fileda case in Hon'ble TDSAT for recovery of the amount, decision for which is awaited.The claim of Rs. 25.78 crores on this account has been shown as contingent liability.
In addition, the Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims, which have arisenin the ordinary course of business. The Company's management perceives that theselegal actions, when ultimately concluded and determined, will not have any materialimpact on the Company's financial statements.
The amount recoverable from BSNL is Rs. 5,753.90 crores and the amount payable isRs.2,188.86 crores. The net recoverable of Rs. 3,565.04 crores is subject to reconciliation andconfirmation.
66. Subscribers' dues and deposits:
Other current liabilities include credits on account of receipts including service tax/GSTfrom subscribers amounting to Rs. 77.29 crores ( previous year Rs.86.63 crores), whichcould not be matched with corresponding debtors or identified as liability, as the case maybe. Appropriate adjustments/ payments shall be made inclusive of service tax/GST, whenthese credits are matched or reconciled. Therefore, it could not be adjusted against makingprovision for doubtful debts.
67. The amounts of receivables and payables (including NLD / ILD Roaming operators) aresubject to confirmation and reconciliation. The recoverable and payable from operators areunder constant review and regular efforts are being taken for reconciliation and recoveryof old outstanding dues. Dues from the Operators being on account of revenue sharingagreements are not treated as debtors and consequently are not taken into account formaking provision for doubtful debts.
68. The matching of billing for roaming receivables / payables with the actual traffic intimatedby the MACH is being done. Further the roaming income is booked on the basis of actualinvoices raised by MACH on behalf of MTNL. Similarly the roaming expenditure is bookedon the basis of actual invoices received by MTNL from MACH on behalf of the otheroperators. However, regarding collection, the payment is directly received in the bank fromother operators for varying periods.
In MTNL Delhi unit, the collections received from the operators are matched in totalityagainst the bills. The allocation of collection to individual operator's account is pending inthe absence of detailed information which is being sought. Therefore although the roamingincome and expenditure are booked on actual basis, the roaming debtors are reconciledin totality in the absence of detailed information and such reconciliation is being done onregular basis.
70. Settlements with DoT:
a) Amount recoverable from DoT is Rs. 667.31 crores and amount payable is Rs.434.55crores. The net recoverable of Rs. 232.76 crores is subject to reconciliation andconfirmation. LF/SUC dues payable to DOT Rs. 571.87 crores is shown under statutorydues. There is no agreement between the MTNL and DoT for interest recoverable/payable on current account. Accordingly, no provision has been made for interestpayable/receivable on balances during the year.
b) Deposits from applicants and subscribers as on 31 March 1986 were Rs. 81.32 crores(previous year Rs. 81.32 crores) in Mumbai unit as intimated provisionally by DoT. Atthe year end, these deposits amounted to Rs. 103.28 crores (previous year Rs. 103.28crores), the difference being attributable to connections/refunds granted in respect ofdeposits received prior to 31 March 1986. Balance on this account still recoverable fromDoT is Rs. 43.49 crores ( previous year Rs. 55.85 crores).
c) The total provision for Leave encashment is Rs. 260.75 crores up to 31 March 2025(previous year Rs. 246.87 crores). Out of this, an amount of Rs. 45.49 crores (previousyear Rs. 45.49 crores ) and Rs. 43.37 crores (previous year Rs. 43.37 crores) is recoverablefrom DOT in respect of Company C & D and Company B employees respectively forthe period prior to their absorption in MTNL.
d) An amount of Rs.6.52 crores (previous year Rs. 6.52 crores) towards GPF contributionis recoverable from DOT as on 31 March 2025. The amount pertains to Company C&D and Company B employees absorbed in MTNL w.e.f. 01 November 1998 and 01October 2000 respectively.
71. As per gazette notification no.GSR 138(E) dated 3rd March 2014 pensionary benefits inrespect of absorbed combined service pension optees are being paid by the Government ofIndia on BSNL pay scales. Gratuity provision for other than combined service pension opteeemployees of MTNL, and Leave Encashment provision for all of the employees of MTNLhas been made on the basis of actuarial valuation.
72. There is no indication of any impairment of assets of the Company, on the basis of thecompany as a whole as a CGU under Indian Accounting Standards - 36 "Impairment ofassets” as specified under Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013.
73. As per the accounting policy, Bonus/ Exgratia is paid based on the productivity linkedparameters and it is to be provided accordingly subject to the profitability of the Company.In view of losses, no provision for Bonus/ Exgratia has been made during the year.
74. On reconciliation of roaming invoices with BSNL as agreed in the current year an amountof Rs. 15.30 Cr of revenue is reversed in Delhi unit in Cellular Segment.
75. There is no amount which is required to be transferred to Investor Education and ProtectionFund by the Company.
76. The Company has no foreseeable losses, which requires provision under applicable lawsor accounting standards on long-term contracts and not dealing into derivative contracts atall.
77. The Bank Reconciliation Statements as at 31 March 2025 include unmatched/unlinkedcredits amounting to Rs. 4.25 crore (previous year Rs. 2.03 crore) and unmatched/unlinkeddebits Rs. 0.13 crore (previous year Rs. 2.21 crore) respectively. Reconciliation and follow upwith the bank to match/rectify the same is in process.
78. The Company has incurred a loss of Rs. 3323.51 crores during the period under report.The company has been incurring continuous losses since year 2009-10 (except in FY 2013¬14) and the net worth has been fully eroded for the year under report. Considering thecontinuous losses and negative net worth, the management has made an assessment ofits ability to continue as a going concern. In pursuance DoT letter No. F. No. 30- 04/2019-PSU Affairs dated 29th October, 2019 and decision of Board of Directors of MTNL throughcircular regulation on 04th November 2019, the MTNL Voluntary Retirement Scheme wasintroduced with effect from 04th November 2019 under which 14,387 number of MTNLemployees of all grades opted and granted VRS to reduce the legacy staff costs inheritedon account of absorption of employees recruited under government w.e.f. 01.11.1998 andalso on 01.10.2000 and the expenditure of ex-gratia on account of compensation was borneby the DOT/Government of India through budgetary supports as per approval of cabinet.The company therefore reduced the staff expenses by more than 75 % which helped thecompany to reduce its costs and also thereby losses since 2019-20 onwards. Besides, theGovernment approved the monetization of the lands and buildings of the company withassistance from DIPAM in order the get rid of the huge debt burden on the company. Themonetization of land and buildings of the company is in process.
In addition to this, Government approved providing 4G license to BSNL and an infusionof fresh capital by the Government in lieu of granting 4G license. As per the deliberations,the maintenance and running of MTNL wireless network has also been taken over by BSNLfrom 01.04.2021 (in the case of Delhi) and from 01.09.2021 (in the case of Mumbai) onwardsto improve the quality of services and also the launching of 4G services of MTNL as andwhen BSNL launches which also is likely to stabilize the revenue streams.
Besides as per F.NO.20-28/2022-PR dated 2nd August, 2022, DOT conveyed the decisions ofthe Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 27.07.2022 for the raising of Sovereign Guaranteebacked bonds for MTNL with a tenure of 10 years for an amount of Rs. 17,571 crores withwaiver of guarantee fee to repay its high-cost debt and restructure it with new sustainableloan which has been raised Rs. 10,910 Crs. & Rs 6,661/- during the year 2022-23 & 2023-24respectively. The company will be able to manage the payment of interest due on SovereignGuarantee backed bonds with the support of Government of India in the form of soft loanof Rs 1151 crore during the year. Also, in view of such unsustainable debts of MTNL, acommittee of Secretaries was constituted by the Govt. to examine matters such as assetmonetization, AGR dues, debt restructuring etc. for further course of action for the mergerof MTNL & BSNL. The government also allocated budgetary support of Rs. 1851 crores fornetwork up gradation of MTNL by BSNL as a precursor to operational integration. Also,BSNL has to provide all telecom services in Delhi & Mumbai through leasing of operationalassets or other appropriate models.
Further during the year, pursuant to the service agreement(SLA) entered on 22-11-2024with BSNL, the entire telecom operations of company in Delhi & Mumbai are being runby BSNL w.e.f. 01-01-2025. BSNL shall also take care of CAPEX & OPEX for the smoothrunning of operation and ensure EBIDTA neutral operation of the company. For the issue ofmounting debts as well as other to be referred to Committee of Secretaries and same are atpresent under review and before COS recommend way forward in case of MTNL, the casefor further support to MTNL to manage its working capital is being contemplated. Towardsimplementation of the SLA, certain customers in Delhi & Mumbai have been migrated toBSNL w.e.f. 01.01.2025 and revenue thereof is not being recognised by MTNL. Necessaryguidelines/procedure for execution of the SLA are yet to be framed.
All of the above aspects are considered by the management while preparing the financialstatements and an assessment of its ability to continue as a going concern is made accordinglyas required in SA (570) and Para 25 & 26 of Ind AS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements'the company is continuously having support of Govt. in managing its issues.
79. The amount recoverable from Reliance Communication Ltd. is Rs. 79.88 crores and amountpayable to Reliance Infratel Ltd. is Rs. 7.03 crores. The companies are under insolvencyproceedings before Hon'ble NCLT under IBC, 2016. The provision/write-off against theoutstanding dues will be considered on final decision in this matter.
80. The GPF Trust is currently in the process of reconciling and recomputing its liabilities todetermine the provident funds payable to employees. The adjustments, if any, resultingfrom this recomputation/reconciliation will be recognized in the financial statements in theyear the reconciliation is finalized.
81. Revenue from operations includes an amount to Rs.7.17 crores booked on provisional basisdue to technical glitch in the billing software in Delhi and Mumbai. The final impact of thesame will be accounted for once the billing is done through the system.
82. The company has booked the liability towards the Sovereign Guarantee fee of Rs 282.76Crore payable to Government of India( "GOI" ) in the respective years (i.e.F.Y. 2022-23,2023-24 & 2024-25) and paid the respective GST thereon under RCM. However, due tofinancial distress, the company was not able to make payment to DOT and requested DoTvide its letter dated 20.09.2024 that the pending liability of Rs 282.76 Crore on account ofSovereign Guarantee Fees, forthcoming Sovereign Guarantee fee liability in upcomingyears, corresponding penal guarantee fee and GST there on shall be settled through equityinfusion by the GoI. Since, the matter is under consideration of DoT for equity infusionalong with penal Sovereign Guarantee Fee, the amount will be measured and accountingwill be addressed accordingly at the later stage as per the decision of GoI.
83. License fee on the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) was calculated and accounted for onaccrual basis in respect of both revenue and revenue sharing with other operators till F.Y.2011-12. As per the directions of Supreme Court given earlier in respect of calculation ofLicense Fees and AGR, the matter was referred back to TDSAT. TDSAT vide its judgmentdated 23.04.2015 set aside the impugned demands of DOT and DOT was directed to reworkthe license fee in the light of their findings. However, MTNL is not a party to the disputeand the AGR is calculated as per License Agreement.
The issue of deduction claimed in AGR upto F.Y. 2011-12 in respect of revenue sharing onnetting basis with BSNL has been taken up with DOT and BSNL while paying License Feeson actual payment basis from 2012-13 onwards. The impact of Rs. 140.36 crores on thisaccount upto the year 2011-12 has been included in contingent liability. DOT has assessedthe LF calculated on the basis of AGR of MTNL. The payables towards license fees andspectrum usage charges have been adjusted with excess pension payouts to CombinedPensioners Optees recoverable from DOT in respect of which matter is under considerationand correspondence in going on between the Company and DOT. The License agreementbetween Company and DOT does not have any guidance on change in method of calculationof Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) due to migration to Ind-AS from I-GAAP. Provisioningand payment of liability in respect of license fees and spectrum usage charges payableto DOT has been done on the basis of Ind-AS based financial statements. The amount ofdifference in computation of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) is under consideration of DOT.Further, DOT has disallowed certain deductions claimed in the AGR e.g. PSTN charges,IUC payment to other operators etc. The deductions claimed in AGR were disallowed forwant of documents from MTNL. MTNL has submitted the documents and the revision ofassessment of LF is pending at the end of DOT. The provision assessment order of LF from2006-07 to 2023-24 and SUC from 2011-12 to 2023-24 issued by DOT shows demand of Rs.5132.24 crores. The assessment is under revision in view of documents submitted by MTNLto CCA/ DOT. However an amount of Rs. 5132.24 crores is shown as contingent liability.
In respect of this Hon'ble Supreme Court judgement and final order dated 24.10.2019disposing the AGR matter, it is submitted that MTNL was neither a party to SupremeCourt case nor MTNL violated the AGR definition as per License Agreement. The sameis also pointed out in supreme court judgement dt. 24/10/2019 that MTNL is not party tothe litigation. MTNL is following the same definition of AGR as is given in license feeagreements. MTNL is calculating the LF/SUC accordingly since the inception of AGR basedLF & SUC. MTNL's accounts are also verified by C&AG and all the LF related entries/adjustments are verified with AGR statements submitted to CCA. Therefore, the SupremeCourt's judgement on AGR is not applicable for MTNL.
DoT has sent a demand note for additional 1.4 MHz of reserved spectrum in 900 MHz Bandin Mumbai and Delhi LSAs vide No. 1000/1/2023-WF dt. 27-01-2025 for Rs. 1155 crores.The additional 1.4 MHz spectrum allotted to MTNL is not utilized by MTNL and MTNL isrequesting DoT for withdrawal of demand note no 1000/1/2023-WF dt. 27-01-2025 for Rs.1155 crores.
Further a demand letter No. 1000/01/2023-WF dt 23/03/2023 for Rs. 4252.83 crore is alsoattached with the above demand in respect of spectrum allotment in the 900 MHz and 1800MHz. The allotment of the captioned 5 MHz spectrum in 900/1800 Mhz band is made as perthe OM No F.No. 20-28/2022-PR dated 02/08/2022. As per OM No F.No. 20-28/2022-PR dated02/08/2022, the allotment of spectrum was decided to be given with budgetary support asequity infusion and the cost on pro-rata basis will be settled for spectrum held by MTNLtill date of spectrum allotment to BSNL. However, the spectrum was regularized withoutbudgetary support to MTNL or charging part demand and MTNL is requesting DoT forrevision of demand note in accordance with OM dt. 02/08/2022. As the regularisation of2G spectrum as well as demand of Rs 4252.83 crors is not as per OM issued w r t revival ofMTNL /BSNL, the matter is being raised with DOT for withdraw of demand.
In view of above the demands are shown as contingent liability. the list of LF relatedcontingent liability is shown hereafter.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Sd/- Sd/-
For O P Bagla & Co LLP For S.L.Chhajed & Co. LLP (A. Robert J. Ravi) (Rajiv Kumar)
Chartered Accountants Chartered Accountants Chairman and Managing Director Director (Finance)
FRN No. 00018N/N500091 FRN No. 000709C/C400277 DIN 10095013 DIN 09811051
Sd/- Sd/- Sd/- Sd/-
(CA Nitin Jain) (CA Vijit Baidmutha) (Anirudh Prasad Singh) (Ratan Mani Sumit)
Partner Partner Chief Financial Officer Company Secretary
Membership No. 510841 Membership No. 406044 Membership No. 15193
Place: New DelhiDate: 28 May 2025