Provisions are recognised when the Company has apresent obligation (legal or constructive) as a result ofa past event, it is probable that an outflow of resourceswill be required to settle the said obligation, and theamounts of the said obligation can be reliably estimated.
Provisions are measured at the present value of theexpenditures expected to be required to settle therelevant obligation (if the impact of discounting issignificant), using a pre-tax rate that reflects currentmarket assessments of the time value of money andthe risks specific to the obligation. The increase in theprovision due to unwinding of interest over passage oftime is recognised within finance costs.
The Company is involved in various legal andtaxation matters, and the matter are in legal course.Management, in consultation with legal, tax and otheradvisers, assesses the likelihood that a pending claimwill succeed. The Company recognises a provision incases where it is probable that an outflow of resourcesembodying economic benefits will be required to settlethe obligations arising from such claims.
A disclosure for a contingent liability is made when thereis a possible obligation or a present obligation that may,but probably will not, require an outflow of resources.When there is a possible obligation or a presentobligation in respect of which the likelihood of outflow ofresources is remote, no provision or disclosure is made.Contingent asset is not recognised and is disclosed onlywhere an inflow of economic benefits are probable.
Revenue is recognised upon transfer of control ofpromised products or services to the customer atthe amount of transaction price which the Companyhas received or expects to receive in exchange ofthose products or services, net of any taxes/duties,discounts and process waivers. When determiningthe consideration to which the Company is entitledfor providing promised products or services viaintermediaries, the Company assesses whether it isprimarily responsible for fulfilling the performanceobligation and whether it controls the promised servicebefore transfer to customers. To the extent that theintermediary is considered a principal, the considerationto which the Company is entitled is determined to bethat received from the intermediary.
Revenue is recognised when, or as, each distinctperformance obligation is satisfied. The main categoriesof revenue and the basis of recognition are as follows:
Service revenues mainly pertain to pack subscriptionfor voice, data, messaging, value added services andinternet protocol television (‘IPTV’) services. It alsoincludes revenue from interconnection/roaming chargesfor usage of the Company’s network by other operatorsfor voice, data, messaging and signaling services.
Telecommunication services (comprising voice, data andSMS) are considered to represent a single performanceobligation as all are provided over the Company’snetwork and transmitted as data representing a digitalsignal on the network. The transmission consumesnetwork bandwidth and therefore, irrespective of thenature of the communication, the customer ultimatelyreceives access to the network and the right to consumenetwork bandwidth.
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control ofpromised services to the customers. Pack subscriptioncharges are recognized over the subscription packvalidity period and where there is no uncertainty asto collection of consideration. Revenues in excessof invoicing are classified as unbilled revenue whileinvoicing/collection in excess of revenue are classifiedas deferred revenue/advance from customers.
Revenues from long distance operations compriseof voice services and bandwidth services (includinginstallation), which are recognised on provision ofservices over the period of respective arrangements.
The Company has entered into certain multiple-elementrevenue arrangements which involve the delivery orperformance of multiple products, services or rights touse assets. At the inception of the arrangement, all thedeliverables therein are evaluated to determine whetherthey represent distinct performance obligations, and ifso, they are accounted for separately. Total considerationrelated to the multiple element arrangements isallocated to each performance obligation basedon their standalone selling prices. The stand-aloneselling prices are determined based on the list pricesat which the Company sells equipment and networkservices separately.
Equipment sales mainly pertain to sale oftelecommunication equipment and related accessoriesfor which revenue is recognised when the control of
equipment is transferred to the customer, i.e. transferredat a point in time. However, in case of equipment saleforming part of multiple-element revenue arrangementswhich is not a distinct performance obligation, revenueis recognised over the customer relationship agreement.
The interest income is recognised using the EIR method.For further details, refer note 2.10.
The Company incurs certain costs to obtain or fulfillcontracts with customers viz. intermediary commission,etc. The Company has estimated that the averagecustomer life derived from customer churn rate is longerthan 12 months and, thus, such costs are recognisedover the average expected customer life.
Dividend income is recognised when the Company’sright to receive the payment is established. For futherdetails, refer note 2.10.
Grants from the government are recognised wherethere is a reasonable assurance that the grant willbe received and the Company will comply with allattached conditions.
Government grants relating to income are deferred andrecognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss over theperiod necessary to match them with the costs that theyare intended to compensate.
Government grants relating to the purchase of PPE areincluded in non-current liabilities as deferred incomeand are credited to Statement of Profit and Loss ona straight-line basis over the expected lives of therelated assets.
Borrowing costs consist of interest and other ancillarycosts that the Company incurs in connection withthe borrowing of funds. The borrowing costs directlyattributable to the acquisition or construction of anyasset that takes a substantial period of time to getready for its intended use or sale (qualifying asset) arecapitalised. All other borrowing costs are recognised inthe Statement of Profit and Loss within finance costs inthe period in which they are incurred.
Exceptional items refer to items of income or expensewithin the Statement of Profit and Loss from ordinaryactivities which are non-recurring and are of such size,nature or incidence that their separate disclosure isconsidered necessary to explain the performance ofthe Company.
Dividend to shareholders is recognised as a liabilityon the date of approval by the shareholders. However,interim dividend is recorded as a liability on the date ofdeclaration by the Company’s Board of Directors.
The Company presents the Basic and Diluted EPS.
Basic EPS is computed by dividing the profit for theperiod attributable to the shareholders of the Companyby the weighted average number of shares outstandingduring the period.
Diluted EPS is computed by adjusting, the profit for theyear attributable to the shareholders and the weightedaverage number of shares considered for deriving BasicEPS, for the effects of all the shares that could havebeen issued upon conversion of all dilutive potentialshares. The dilutive potential shares are adjusted forthe proceeds receivable had the shares been actuallyissued at fair value. Further, the dilutive potential sharesare deemed converted as at beginning of the period,unless issued at a later date during the period.
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The estimates and judgements used in the preparationof the said Financial Statements are continuouslyevaluated by the Company, and are based on historicalexperience and various other assumptions and factors(including expectations of future events), that theCompany believes to be reasonable under the existingcircumstances. The said estimates and judgementsare based on the facts and events, that existed as atthe reporting date, or that occurred after that date butprovide additional evidence about conditions existing asat the reporting date.
Although the Company regularly assesses theseestimates, actual results could differ materially fromthese estimates - even if the assumptions underlyingsuch estimates were reasonable when made, if these
results differ from historical experience or otherassumptions do not turn out to be substantially accurate.The changes in estimates are recognised in the FinancialStatements in the year in which they become known.
The estimates and assumptions that have a significantrisk of causing a material adjustment to the carryingvalues of assets and liabilities are discussed below:
As described at note 2.7 above, the Company reviewsthe estimated useful lives of PPE at the end of eachreporting period. After considering market conditions,industry practice, technological developments and otherfactors, the Company determined that the current usefullives of its PPE remain appropriate. However, changes ineconomic conditions of the markets, competition andtechnology, among others, are unpredictable and they maysignificantly impact the useful lives of PPE and thereforethe depreciation charges. Refer note 2.7 and 5 for theestimated useful life and carrying value of PPE respectively.
PPE (including CWIP) and intangible assets withdefinite lives, are reviewed for impairment, wheneverevents or changes in circumstances indicate that theircarrying values may not be recoverable. Goodwilland IAUD are tested for impairment, at least annuallyand whenever circumstances indicate that it may beimpaired. For details as to the impairment policy, refernote 2.9. Further, the Company conducts impairmentreviews of investments in subsidiaries/associates/joint arrangements whenever events or changes incircumstances indicate that their carrying amounts maynot be recoverable.
In calculating the value in use, the Company isrequired to make significant judgements, estimatesand assumptions inter-alia concerning the growthin earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation andamortisation (‘EBITDA’) margins, capital expenditure,long-term growth rates and discount rates to reflect therisks involved. Also, judgement is involved in determiningthe CGU/grouping of CGUs for allocation of the goodwill.
Deferred tax assets are recognised for the unusedtax losses credits for which there is probability ofutilisation against the future taxable profit. Significantmanagement judgement is required to determine theamount of deferred tax assets that can be recognised,based upon the likely timing and the level of futuretaxable profits, future tax planning strategies and recentbusiness performances and developments.
The ECL is mainly based on the ageing of the receivablebalances and historical experience. The receivablesare assessed on an individual basis or grouped intohomogeneous groups and assessed for impairmentcollectively, depending on their significance. Moreover,trade receivables are written off on a case-to-case basisif deemed not to be collectible on the assessment of theunderlying facts and circumstances.
The Company is involved in various legal, tax andregulatory matters, the outcome of which may not befavourable to the Company. Management in consultationwith the legal, tax and other advisers assess the likelihoodthat a pending claim will succeed. The Company hasapplied its judgement and has recognised liabilitiesbased on whether additional amounts will be payableand has included contingent liabilities where economicoutflows are considered possible but not probable.
The critical judgements, which the managementhas made in the process of applying the Company’saccounting policies and have the most significantimpact on the amounts recognised in the said FinancialStatements, are discussed below:
The consideration paid by the Company intelecommunication towers lease contracts includethe use of land and passive infrastructure as well asmaintenance, security, provision of energy services etc.Therefore, in determining the allocation of considerationbetween lease and non-lease components, for theadditional services that are not separately priced, theCompany performs analysis of cost split to arrive atrelative stand-alone prices of each of the components.The bifurcation of the consideration paid (excludingenergy) between lease versus non-lease componentacross the Company has been accordingly consideredat 60% as lease component on an overall basis.
Under Ind AS 116, if it is reasonably certain that a lease willbe extended/will not be early terminated, the Companyis required to estimate the expected lease period whichmay be different from the contractual tenure. TheCompany has various tower lease agreements with aright to extend/renew/terminate wherein it considersthe nature of the contractual terms and economicfactors to determine the lease term. After assessingsuch factors, the lease liability has been calculated using
the remaining lease period until which significant exitpenalties are payable.
The initial recognition of lease liabilities at presentvalue requires the identification of an appropriatediscount rate. The Company has determined theincremental borrowing rate based on considerationsspecific to the leases by taking considerationof the risk free borrowing rates as adjusted forcountry/Company specific risk premiums (basis thereadily available data points).
The Company assesses its revenue arrangementsin order to determine if it is acting as a principal oras an agent by determining whether it has primaryobligation basis pricing latitude and exposure tocredit/inventory risks associated with the sale of goods/rendering of services. In the said assessment, both thelegal form and substance of the agreement are reviewedto determine each party’s role in the transaction.
i. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Companyhad, in accordance with the terms of the offeringcircular dated January 14, 2020 w.r.t. USD 1,000 million1.50% Convertible Bonds due 2025 (‘FCCBs’), allotted47,018,242 equity shares of the face value of C5 eachfully paid up, against the conversion request of FCCBsof USD 337.77 million. The Company redeemed theoutstanding FCCBs aggregating to USD 0.2 milliontogether with accrued interest thereon, in accordancewith the terms and conditions of FCCBs. No FCCBs areoutstanding as at March 31, 2025.
During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Companyhad allotted 79,952,427 equity shares of the face valueof C5 each fully paid up, against the conversion requestof FCCBs of USD 575.73 million.
ii. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Companyhas paid C251,244 to the DoT towards full prepaymentof deferred liabilities pertaining to spectrum acquired in2012, 2015, 2016, 2021 and 2024.
During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Companyhas paid C163,502 to the DoT towards part prepaymentof deferred liabilities pertaining to spectrum acquired inauction of year 2015.
iii. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company hasparticipated in the latest spectrum auction conductedby DoT and has been declared successful bidder fortotal of 82 MHz spectrum in 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and
2100 MHz frequency bands. This entire spectrum bankhas been secured for a total consideration of C58,557payable over 20 years, for which the allocation hasbeen received upon the payment of the dues as per thedemand note received.
iv. During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Hon’bleSupreme Court of India pronounced a judgementregarding the tax treatment of adjusted revenue linkedVariable License Fee (‘VLF’) payable to DOT sinceJuly 1999 and held that it is capital in nature and notrevenue expenditure for the purpose of computationof taxable income. This decision does not alter the totalamount of VLF allowed as deduction over the licenseperiod but creates a timing difference wherein lateryears would have a higher deduction. This had resultedin an additional tax provision of C1,209 primarily due tochange in effective tax rate on account of adoption ofnew tax regime. The interest charge of C9,713 on theabove matter had been presented as an exceptionalitem. The above financial assessment was based on theCompany’s best estimate.
During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Hon’bleSupreme Court of India passed a judgement waiving offthe interest levy on adjusted revenue linked VLF payableto DoT arising from October, 2023 given the matter forsub-judice. The Company has reversed interest chargeaggregating to C9,887, as an exceptional item.
v. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the transactionbetween Bharti Airtel Limited, Dialog Axiata PLC(‘Dialog’) and Axiata Group, Berhad for the share swapof Bharti Airtel Lanka (Private) Limited (‘Airtel Lanka’)with Dialog has been consummated. Upon completionof the transaction, Dialog holds 100% shareholding ofAirtel Lanka and Bharti Airtel Limited holds 10.355%shareholding of Dialog. Investment in Dialog has beenirrevocably treated as investment held at fair valuethrough other comprehensive income as the Companyconsiders this investment to be strategic in nature.
vi. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Companyhas sold certain digital assets for C6,179 comprisingof Hardware and software’s (‘specified assets’) with aview to consolidate the digital offering under one entitybeing Xtelify Limited (a subsidiary of the Company)having net carrying of C6,063. Difference betweensales consideration (net of tax) and carrying value hasbeen recognised in common control reserve amountingto C84.
vii. During the year ended March 31, 2025, Bharti HexacomLimited, a subsidiary of the Company, completed itsInitial Public Offering comprising of an offer for sale byTelecommunications Consultants India Limited (sellingshareholder) of 75,000,000 equity shares of C5 each ata premium of C565 per share aggregating to C42,750.
The equity shares were listed and started trading onBSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of IndiaLimited with effect from April 12, 2024.
viii. During the year ended March 31, 2025, Bharti AirtelServices Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of theCompany has converted its outstanding loans takenfrom the Company amounting to C13,105 into 320,449equity shares amounting to C6,500 and 325,369optionally convertible debentures amounting to C6,605.
ix. During the year ended March 31, 2025, OneWeb IndiaCommunications Limited (“OneWeb”), a wholly ownedsubsidiary of the Company has issued 27,066,923equity shares to OneWeb Holdings Limited (“Investor”)on preferential allotment basis. Upon completion ofthe transaction, Investor holds 74% shareholding ofOneWeb and the Company holds 26% shareholding ofOneWeb. Investment in OneWeb has been treated asInvestment in associate.
x. Consequent to the change in composition of Board ofDirectors of Indus Towers Limited (‘Indus’) with effectfrom closure of business hours on November 18,2024, Indus is controlled by the Company in terms ofsection 2(27) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Ind AS110, ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’. Accordingly,classification of Indus investment has changed fromJoint Venture to Subsidiary. Additionally, the impairmentrecognized in earlier periods has been reassessedand reversed. The same is recognized as a reversal inexceptional item (refer note 31(i)(c)).
xi. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Companyhas transferred its 69.94% equity stake in AirtelPayments Bank Limited, an associate of the Companyto Airtel Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, againsta consideration of C86,654. Airtel Limited dischargedthe consideration through issuance of 0.01% optionallyconvertible debentures. The transaction was recordedas a common control transaction and the differencebetween consideration received and the carrying valueof investment transferred, amounting to C69,400 hasbeen recognised in common control reserve.
xii. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Companyhas transferred its Internet of Things (‘IOT’) undertakingto Xtelify Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, underslump sale arrangement on going concern basis. Thetransfer was completed on February 28, 2025 against aconsideration of C102,260. Xtelify Limited has dischargedthe consideration through issuance of 0.01% optionallyconvertible debentures. The transaction is recordedas a common control transaction and the differencebetween consideration received and the carrying valueof net assets transferred, amounting to C100,420 hasbeen recognised in common control reserve.
xiii. The Company has entered into a Business TransferAgreement (‘BTA’) on February 07, 2025 for transferof the passive infrastructure business undertaking byway of a slump sale to Indus Towers Limited (‘Indus’),a subsidiary of the Company. The transfer of businessundertaking was completed on March 24, 2025 withreceipt of sale consideration as per terms of BTA. TheCompany has received C18,288 on March 24, 2025and C2,032 is deposited by Indus into Escrow Accountas per terms of BTA. The aforesaid sales considerationin Escrow Account is provisional and is subject toadjustments for site count and category of sites as perBTA and the reconciliation is to be completed within4 months from March 24, 2025. The Company hasavailed passive infrastructure services for the assetstransferred and the same has been accounted for as perthe requirement of Ind AS. During the reporting period,no payment has been made with respect to availedpassive infrastructure services.
xiv. During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Companyhas transferred its 75.96% equity stake in Nxtra DataLimited, a subsidiary of the Company to Airtel Limited,a subsidiary of the Company, against a consideration ofC144,424. The transaction was recorded as a commoncontrol transaction and accordingly, the differencebetween consideration received and the carrying valueof investment, amounting to C144,054 was recognisedin common control reserve.
The Company has only one class of equity shares having par value of C5 each. The holder of the equity share is entitledto dividend right and voting right in the same proportion as the capital paid-up on such equity share bears to thetotal paid-up equity share capital of the Company. The declaration of dividend by the Company is associated with thefulfilment of interest obligation, if any, on the perpetual securities issued by one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Inthe event of liquidation of the Company, the holders of equity shares will be entitled to receive the remaining assetsof the Company, after distribution of all preferential amounts, in proportion to the number of equity shares held bythe shareholders.
The Company had outstanding FCCBs of USD 337.97 million as of March 31, 2024, bearing coupon rate of 1.50% issuedat par, listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited. As per Offering Circular issued by the Company,FCCBs are convertible into Company’s fully paid-up equity shares of C5 each at initial conversion price (as adjustedfrom time to time), at any time on or after February 27, 2020 and up to the close of business on February 7, 2025, at theoption of the FCCB holders. The conversion price is subject to adjustment w.r.t events as mentioned in Offering Circular,but cannot be below the floor price which is C 452.09. FCCBs, which were not converted to fully paid-up equity sharesredeemed at 102.66% of their principal amount on February 17, 2025.
• During the year ended March 31, 2025, 47,018,242 equity shares of C5 each were issued to the FCCB holders pursuantto option exercised in accordance with Offering Circular (refer note 4 (i)).
• During the year ended March 31, 2024, 79,952,427 equity shares of C5 each were issued to the FCCB holderspursuant to option exercised in accordance with Offering Circular (refer note 4 (i)).
• During the year ended March 31, 2023, 11,930,543 equity shares of C5 each were issued to the FCCB holderspursuant to option exercised in accordance with Offering Circular.
• During the year ended March 31, 2021, 36,469,913 equity shares of C5 each were issued on preferential basis toLion Meadow Investment Limited, an affiliate to Warburg Pincus LLC as partial consideration for acquisition of equityshares of Bharti Telemedia Limited.
a) Retained earnings: Retained earnings represent the amount of accumulated earnings of the Company, re-measurementdifferences on defined benefits plans, gains/(losses) on common control transactions and any transfer fromgeneral reserve.
b) Securities premium: Securities premium is used to record the premium on issue of equity shares. The same is utilisedin accordance with the provisions of the Act.
c) General reserve: The Company had transferred a portion of its profit before declaring dividend in respective prior yearsto general reserve, as stipulated under the erstwhile Companies Act, 1956. Mandatory transfer to general reserve is notrequired under the Act.
Further, on exercise of the stock options, the difference between the consideration (i.e. the exercise price and the relatedamount of share-based payment reserve) and the cost (viz. related amount of loan provided to Bharti Airtel WelfareTrust) of the corresponding stock options, is transferred to general reserve.
d) Share-based payment reserve: The Share based payment reserve is used to record the fair value of equity-settledshare based payment transactions with employees.
e) Capital reserve: It pertains to capital reserve acquired pursuant to the scheme of arrangements accounted underpooling of interest method and excess of fair value of net assets acquired over consideration paid in a businesscombination. This reserve is not available for distribution as dividend.
f) FVTOCI reserve: The Company has elected to recognise changes in the fair value of a certain investment in equitysecurities in OCI. These changes are accumulated within the FVTOCI reserve within equity.
g) Equity component of FCCBs: The equity component is the residual amount after deducting the fair value of the financialliability component from the net proceeds of the FCCBs.
h) Common control reserve: The transaction arising out of transfer of investments between entities that are undercommon control are accounted at their carrying amounts. The difference between the consideration paid and thecarrying amount is recorded in common control reserve. The common control reserve will be transferred to retainedearnings when the underlying investment is sold to a third party (entity outside the scope of common control).
The claims for sales tax comprised of cases relating to theappropriateness of declarations made by the Companyunder relevant sales tax legislations, which were primarilyprocedural in nature and the applicable sales tax ondisposals of certain property and equipment items, ITCeligibility and VAT on value added services. Pending finaldecisions, the Company has deposited amounts underprotest with statutory authorities for certain cases.
The service tax demands relate to levy of service taxon SMS termination and Cenvat credit disallowed forprocedural lapses.
The GST demand relates to miscellaneous interest,differences between ITC claimed and as availableover portal.
Income tax demands mainly include the appeals filedby the Company before various appellate authoritiesagainst the disallowance by income tax authoritiesof certain expenses being claimed. During the year,the Company has reassessed the existing possibleobligations and accordingly disclosed for such amounts.
There are certain demands related to non-submissionof export obligation discharge certificate, classificationissue, valuation of goods imported and levy of anti¬dumping duty on certain products.
I n certain states, an entry tax is levied on receipt ofmaterial from outside the state. This position has beenchallenged by the Company in the respective states, onthe grounds that the specific entry tax is ultra vires theConstitution. Classification issues have also been raised,whereby, in view of the Company, the material proposedto be taxed is not covered under the specific category.
During the year ended March 31, 2017, the Hon’bleSupreme Court upheld the constitutional validity ofentry tax levied by few States. However, Supreme Courtdid not conclude on certain aspects such as whether thelevy of entry tax in States is discriminatory etc., and suchquestion was left open for the respective jurisdictionalHigh Courts.
i. DoT had enhanced the microwave rates byintroducing slab-wise rates based on the numberof carriers vide circulars issued in 2006 and 2008from erstwhile basis being allocated frequency. TheCompany had challenged the matter in TelecomDisputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal(‘TDSAT’) and it has set aside the respectivecirculars of DoT vide its Judgement dated April 22,2010. Thereafter, DoT has challenged the orderof TDSAT before the Hon’ble Supreme Court,which is pending for adjudication. An amount ofC28,796 which pertains to pre-migration to UnifiedLicense (‘UL’)/Unified Access Service License(‘UASL’) is disclosed as contingent liability as ofMarch 31, 2025.
ii. In 2013, DoT introduced UL Regime and notifiedguidelines which mandates migration to newUL regime upon expiry of existing licenses.Accordingly, the Company migrated to UL regimein 2014. The Company and Internet ServiceProvider (‘ISP’) Association challenged theGuidelines and provisions of UL on the ground thatDoT has discriminated amongst ISP Licensees inviolation of principle of level playing field amongstISPs. TDSAT stayed the payment of license fee onrevenue from Pure Internet Service. In October2019, TDSAT delivered its judgement in the ISPAssociation case (ISPAI Judgement) and set asidethe provision to pay license fee on the revenue frompure internet service under UL. TDSAT, followingISPAI judgement, allowed the petition filed by theCompany and set aside the demand notices.
DoT has filed appeal against ISPAI judgementbefore Hon’ble Supreme Court. On January5, 2021, the Hon’ble Supreme Court admittedDoT’s appeal, and also allowed the Company’sintervention application, with a direction thatDoT shall not be required to refund any amountspursuant to TDSAT judgement and parties shall bebound by the final directions as may be passed bythe Hon’ble Supreme Court.
On March 31, 2021, DoT issued amendment tothe ISP Licenses granted under the old regimei.e. under 2002 and 2007 with immediate effect(April 1, 2021). Amongst others, DoT includedthe revenue from pure internet services in theAGR for the purposes of license fees in suchcontracts (which was earlier allowed as permissiblededuction under old regime). Accordingly, demandup to March 31, 2021 has been assessed to be acontingent liability (March 31, 2025: C42,424 andMarch 31, 2024: C42,424).
iii. Demands for the contentious matters in respectof subscriber verification norms and regulationsincluding validity of certain documents allowed asproof of address/identity. TDSAT and High Courtshave granted interim reliefs to the Company andthe matters are pending for adjudication.
iv. Penalty for alleged failure to meet certainprocedural requirements for EMF radiation self¬certification compliance.
v. Additional demand received for the period alreadycovered by the AGR judgement which mainlypertains to spectrum usage charges.
The matters stated above are being contested by theCompany and based on legal advice, the Companybelieves that it has complied with all license relatedregulations and does not expect any financial impactdue to these matters.
In addition to the amounts disclosed in the tableabove, the contingent liability on DoT matters includesthe following:
1) I n respect of levy of one time spectrum charge(‘OTSC’), the DoT has raised demand on theCompany in January 2013. The Companychallenged the OTSC demand and the High Courtof Bombay vide its order dated January 28, 2013stayed enforcement of the demand and directedDoT not to take any coercive action. The DoT hasfiled its reply and this matter is currently pendingbefore High Court of Bombay. The DoT had issuedrevised demands on the Company aggregatingC79,403 in June 2018, including a retrospectivecharge and a prospective charge till the expiryof the initial terms of the respective licenses. Thesaid revised demand has subsequently also beenbrought within the ambit of the earlier order ofno coercive action by the High Court of Bombay.The Company intends to continue to pursue itslegal remedies.
Further, in a similar matter on a petition filed byanother telecom service provider, the TDSAT, videits judgement dated July 4, 2019, has set asidethe DoT order for levy of OTSC with retrospectiveeffect. Accordingly, as per the said order of theTDSAT; DoT can levy OTSC on the Spectrumbeyond 6.2 MHz allotted after July 1, 2008, onlyfrom the date of allotment of such spectrum andin case of Spectrum beyond 6.2 MHz allottedbefore July 1, 2008, only prospectively i.e. w.e.f.January 1, 2013.
Further, demand for OTSC on spectrum allottedbeyond start-up and up-to the limit of 6.2 MHzhas been set aside. The TDSAT has asked DoT to
issue revise demands, if any, in terms of the abovedirections. The said telecom service provider filedan appeal before the Hon’ble Supreme Courtagainst the judgement passed by TDSAT. On March16, 2020, the Hon’ble Supreme Court dismissedthe appeal of the telecom service provider anddid not interfere with the TDSAT judgement.Thereafter, the telecom service provider had filed areview petition against the judgement dated March16, 2020. The Hon’ble Supreme Court allowedthe review petition and restored the telecomservice providers’ appeal. The matter is pendingadjudication before the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
DoT’s appeal against the said TDSAT Order forthe levy on Spectrum below 6.2 MHz is pending.The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide order datedAugust 21, 2020, stayed the TDSAT judgementJuly 4, 2019 in a case of another telecom serviceprovider. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, vide orderdated December 7, 2020, directed status quoto be maintained in case of another telecomservice provider.
On account of prudence, out of the total demandsof C79,403, the Company had recorded a chargeof C17,914 during the year ended March 31, 2020and interest thereon till March 31, 2025 amountingC98,658. Balance demand of C61,489 (withoutinterest) has continued to be contingent liability.
2) DoT had issued notices to the Company (as well asother telecom service providers) to stop provisionof 3G services to its customers (under 3G IntraCircle Roaming (‘ICR’) arrangements executed
with other service providers) in such serviceareas where the service provider has not beenallocated 3G spectrum, and levied a penalty ofC3,500 on the Company. The Company contestedthe notices before TDSAT, which in 2014 held 3GICR arrangements between service providersto be competent and compliant to the licensingconditions and quashed the notice imposingpenalty. The DoT has challenged the order ofTDSAT before the Hon’ble Supreme Court whichis yet to be listed for hearing.
Considering the nature of above disputes/litigations, it is difficult to reliably ascertain theamount or timing of outflow on settlement.
Guarantees:
Corporate guarantees outstanding as of March31, 2025 and March 31, 2024 amounting toC64,291 and C354,446 respectively have beenissued by Company on behalf of its subsidiaries.These guarantees primarily relate to loans andbonds taken by these subsidiaries from banksand financial institutions amounting to C40,656and C168,415 as of March 31, 2025 and March 31,2024 respectively.
Capital commitments
The Company has contractual commitments towardscapital expenditure (net of related advances) of C130,971and C120,964 as of March 31, 2025 and March 31,2024 respectively.
i. For the year ended March 31, 2025:
a. Gain of C9,887 on account of favorable judgement regarding waiver of interest on tax treatment of adjustedrevenue linked VLF payable to DoT as discussed in note 4(iv).
b. Charge of C1,116 pertaining to impairment of investment in Airtel Lanka, prior to share swap transaction asdiscussed in note 4(v).
c. Gain of C105,744 on account of reversal of impairment of equity investment in Indus Towers Limited as discussedin note 4(x).
d. Gain of C939 on account of reversal of provision created for input tax credit on passive infrastructure services.
e. Charge of C17,404 on account of impairment of intangible assets.
f. Charge of C950 is related to charge on account of impairment of equity investment in a subsidiary.
g. Charge of C62,185 on account of re-assessment of regulatory levies.
ii. For the year ended March 31, 2024:
a. Interest charge of C 9,713 pertaining to tax treatment of adjusted revenue linked VLF from revenue expenditureto capital in nature for the purpose of computation of taxable income. (refer note 4 (iv))
b. Charge of C2,150 on account of re-assessment of regulatory levies.
c. Charge of C2,689 on account of impairment / charge of wholly owned subsidiary.
d. Gain on account of reversal of provision amounting to C1,789 due to favorable judgement regarding deduction ofTDS on discounts allowed to the prepaid distributors on sale of SIM/Recharge vouchers.
a. Charge of C236 on account of gain on reversal of provision created for input tax credit on passive infrastructure services.
b. Credit of C4,380 on account of impairment of intangible assets.
c. Credit of C3,720 on account of re-assessment of regulatory levies.
d. Net credit of C84,850 from the recognition of earlier unrecognised deferred tax assets on account of favourableorders received by the Company with respect to tax losses.
a. Credit of C1,209 on account of interest on tax treatment of adjusted revenue linked VLF payable to DoT.
b. Charge of C541 on account of re-assessment of regulatory levies.
The Company’s leases of bandwidth comprise of dark fiber.
The Company leases passive infrastructure for providing telecommunication services under composite contracts thatinclude lease of passive infrastructure and land on which the passive infrastructure is built as well as maintenance, security,provision of energy and other services.
The Company’s leases of building comprise of lease of offices, warehouses and shops.
The Company’s leases of land comprise of land taken on lease on passive infrastructure is built and offices.
The business activities of the Company expose it to a variety of financial risks, namely market risks (that is, foreignexchange risk, interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Company’s risk management strategiesfocus on the unpredictability of these elements and seek to minimise the potential adverse effects on its financialperformance. Further, the Company uses certain derivative financial instruments to mitigate some of these risk exposures(as discussed below in this note).
The financial risk management for the Company is driven by the Company’s senior management (‘CSM’), in closeco-ordination with the operating entities’ internal/external experts subject to necessary supervision. The Companydoes not undertake any speculative transactions either through derivatives or otherwise. The CSM is accountable to theBoard of Directors and Audit Committee. They ensure that the Company’s financial risk-taking activities are governed byappropriate financial risk governance framework, policies and procedures. The senior management/Board of Directorsof the respective operating entities periodically reviews the exposures to financial risks, the measures taken for riskmitigation and the results thereof.
Foreign exchange risk arises on all recognised monetary assets and liabilities and any highly probable forecastedtransactions, which are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the Company. The Companyhas foreign currency trade payables, trade receivables and borrowings. However, foreign exchange exposure mainlyarises from borrowings and trade payables denominated in foreign currencies.
The foreign exchange risk management policy of the Company requires it to manage the foreign exchange risk bytransacting as far as possible in the functional currency. Moreover, the Company monitors the movements in currenciesin which the borrowings/capex vendors are payable and manage any related foreign exchange risk, which inter-aliainclude entering into foreign exchange derivative contracts - as considered appropriate and whenever necessary. Forfurther details as to foreign currency borrowings, refer note 17. Further, for the details as to the fair value of variousoutstanding derivative financial instruments, refer note 37.
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because ofchanges in market interest rates. The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarilyto the Company’s interest bearing debt obligations with floating interest rates. However, the short-term borrowings ofthe Company do not have a significant fair value or cash flow interest rate risk due to their short tenure. Accordingly,the components of the debt portfolio are determined by the CSM in a manner which enables the Company to achievean optimum debt-mix basis its overall objectives and future market expectations. The Company monitors the interestrate movement and manages the interest rate risk based on its risk management policies, which inter-alia may includeentering into interest swaps contracts as considered appropriate and whenever necessary. The company also maintainsa portfolio mix of floating and fixed rate debt.
The sensitivity disclosed in the above table is attributable to floating-interest rate borrowings.
The above sensitivity analysis is based on a reasonably possible change in the underlying interest rate of the Company’sborrowings in INR, USD (being the significant currencies in which it has borrowed funds), while assuming all othervariables (in particular foreign currency rates) to be constant as at the reporting date.
Based on the movements in the interest rates historically and the prevailing market conditions as at the reporting date, theCompany’s management has concluded that the above mentioned rates used for sensitivity are reasonable benchmarks.
The Company invests its surplus funds in various mutual funds (debt fund, equity fund, liquid schemes and income fundsetc.), short term debt funds, government securities and fixed deposits. In order to manage its price risk arising frominvestments, the Company diversifies its portfolio in accordance with the limits set by the risk management policies.The Company has exposure across mutual fund and money market instruments.
Due to the very short tenure of money market instruments and the underlying portfolio in liquid schemes, these do notpose any significant price risk.
Credit risk refers to the risk of default on its obligation by the counter-party, the risk of deterioration of credit-worthinessof the counter-party as well as concentration risks of financial assets, and thereby exposing the Company to potentialfinancial losses.
The Company is exposed to credit risk mainly with respect to trade receivables, investment in bank deposits, debtsecurities, mutual funds and derivative financial instruments.
The Trade receivables of the Company are typically non-interest bearing unsecured and derived from sales madeto a large number of independent customers. As the customer base is widely distributed both economically andgeographically, there is no concentration of credit risk.
As there is no independent credit rating of the customers available with the Company, the management reviews thecredit-worthiness of its customers based on their financial position, past experience and other factors.
Credit risk related to the trade receivables is managed/mitigated by each business unit, basis the Company’s establishedpolicy and procedures, by setting appropriate payment terms and credit period, and by setting and monitoring internallimits on exposure to individual customers. The credit period provided by the Company to its customers generally rangesfrom 14-30 days except Airtel business segment wherein it ranges from 7-90 days.
The Company uses a provision matrix to measure the ECL of trade receivables, which comprise a very large numbersof small balances. Refer note 13 for details on the impairment of trade receivables.
Based on the industry practices and the business environment in which the entity operates, management considers thatthe trade receivables are impaired if the payments are more than 90/120 days past due from due date/invoice date.
The ageing analysis of trade receivables as of the reporting date is as follows:
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and monitors the credit¬worthiness of its customers to which it grants credit in its ordinary course of business. The gross carrying amount of afinancial asset is written off (either partially or in full) to the extent that there is no realistic prospect of recovery. This isgenerally the case when the Company determines that the debtor does not have assets or sources of income that couldgenerate sufficient cash flows to repay the amount due. Where the financial asset has been written-off, the Companycontinues to engage in enforcement activity to attempt to recover the receivable due. Where recoveries are made, theseare recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The Company’s treasury, in accordance with the board approved policy, maintains its cash and cash equivalents, depositsand investment in mutual funds & debt securities and enters into derivative financial instruments - with banks, financialand other institutions, having good reputation and past track record, and high credit rating. Similarly, counter-parties ofthe Company’s other receivables carry either no or very minimal credit risk. Further, the Company reviews the credit¬worthiness of the counter-parties (on the basis of its ratings, credit spreads and financial strength) of all the above assetson an ongoing basis, and if required, takes necessary mitigation measures.
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due. Accordingly,as a prudent liquidity risk management measure, the Company closely monitors its liquidity position and deploys a robustcash management system. It maintains adequate sources of financing including bilateral loans, debt, and overdraft fromboth domestic and international banks at an optimised cost. It also enjoys strong access to domestic and internationalcapital markets across debt and equity.
Moreover, the CSM regularly monitors the rolling forecasts of the entity’s liquidity reserve (comprising of the amount ofavailable un-drawn credit facilities and cash and cash equivalents) and the related requirements, to ensure they havesufficient cash on an on-going basis to meet operational needs while maintaining sufficient headroom at all times on itsavailable un-drawn committed credit facilities, so that there is no breach of borrowing limits or relevant covenants onany of its borrowings. For details as to the borrowings, refer note 17.
Based on past performance and current expectations, the Company believes that the cash and cash equivalents,cash generated from operations and available un-drawn credit facilities, will satisfy its working capital needs, capitalexpenditure, investment requirements, commitments and other liquidity requirements associated with its existingoperations, through at least the next twelve months.
The Company’s objective while managing capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern (so that it isenabled to provide returns and create value for its shareholders, and benefits for other stakeholders), support businessstability and growth, ensure adherence to the covenants and restrictions imposed by lenders and/or relevant laws andregulations, and maintain an optimal and efficient capital structure so as to reduce the cost of capital. However, thekey objective of the Company’s capital management is to, ensure that it maintains a stable capital structure with thefocus on total equity, uphold investor; creditor and customer confidence, and ensure future development of its businessactivities. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may issue new shares, declare dividends,return capital to shareholders, etc.
The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions orits business requirements. The Company monitors capital using a net gearing ratio calculated as below:
The following methods/assumptions were used to estimate the fair values:
i. The carrying value of other bank balances, trade receivables, trade payables, short-term borrowings, floating-rate long¬term borrowings, other current financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair value mainly due to the short-termmaturities of these instruments/being subject to floating-rates.
ii. The fair value of quoted financial instruments is based on quoted market price at the reporting date.
iii. The fair value of non-current financial assets, other long-term borrowings and other financial liabilities is estimated bydiscounting future cash flows using current rates applicable to instruments with similar terms, currency, credit risk andremaining maturities.
iv. The fair values of derivatives are estimated by using pricing models, wherein the inputs to those models are based onreadily observable market parameters. The valuation models used by the Company reflect the contractual terms of thederivatives (including the period to maturity), and market-based parameters such as interest rates, foreign exchangerates, volatility etc. These models do not contain a high level of subjectivity as the valuation techniques used do notrequire significant judgement and inputs thereto are readily observable.
The following table describes the key inputs used in the valuation (basis discounted cash flow technique) of the Level 2
financial assets/liabilities as of March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024.
In 1996, the Company had obtained the permission from DoT to operate its Punjab license through one of its wholly ownedsubsidiary. However, DoT cancelled the permission to operate in April 1996 and subsequently reinstated in March 1998. Accordingly,for the period from April 1996 to March 1998 (’blackout period’) the license fee was disputed and not paid by the Company.
Subsequently, basis the demand from DoT in 2001, the Company paid the disputed license fee of C4,856 for blackout periodunder protest. Consequently, the license was restored subject to arbitrator’s adjudication on the dispute. The arbitratoradjudicated the matter in favour of DoT, which was challenged by the Company before Delhi High Court. In 2012, Delhi HighCourt passed an order setting aside the arbitrator’s award, which was challenged by DoT and is pending before its divisionbench. Meanwhile, the Company had filed a writ petition for recovery of the disputed license fee and interest thereto. However,the single bench, despite taking the view that the Company is entitled to refund, dismissed the writ petition. The Companytherefore has filed appeal against the said order with division bench and is currently pending. DoT had also filed an appealagainst the single judge order. Both these appeals are tagged together and are listed for final hearing. ^
During the year ended March 31, 2025, no funds have been advanced / loaned / invested by the Company to any otherperson(s) or entity(ies), including foreign entities (Intermediaries), with the understanding that the Intermediary shall (i)directly or indirectly lend or invest in other persons or entities identified in any manner whatsoever by or on behalf of theCompany (Ultimate Beneficiaries) or (ii) provide any guarantee, security on behalf of the Ultimate Beneficiaries.
Further, no funds have been received by the Company from any person(s) or entity(ies), including foreign entities (FundingParties), with the understanding that the Company shall (i) directly or indirectly, lend or invest in other persons or entitiesidentified in any manner whatsoever by or on behalf of the Funding Party (Ultimate Beneficiaries) or (ii) provide any guarantee,security on behalf of the Ultimate Beneficiaries.
During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Company had given funds to Bharti Airtel Services Limited (‘first intermediary’)and Airtel Limited (‘second intermediary’) with the understanding that the first intermediary shall invest those funds in BeetelTeletech Limited and second intermediary shall invest those funds in Nxtra Data Limited, the details of which are as below:-
The Company had assessed all of its IT applications including supporting applications considering the guidance providedin “Implementation guide on reporting on audit trail under rule 11(g) of the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014(Revised 2024 edition)” and identified applications that are relevant for maintaining books of accounts. In the previousFinancial Year, the Company had enabled audit trail feature in certain critical applications including the ERP application whichmaintain the general ledger for financial reporting purpose, accordingly the audit trail feature for these critical applications isactive through-out the current financial year. For the remaining applications the audit trail feature was enabled in a phasedmanner during the current financial year. Audit trail feature has been enabled for all relevant IT applications at the end of thecurrent Financial Year. The audit trail feature has operated effectively during the year post implementation, and there wereno instances of audit trail feature being tampered with where it is implemented. For the retention of the data, the same is andwill be retained for the respective period of 8 years from the date of such audit trail implementation.
All the Schemes of Arrangements, approved by the Competent Authority under the relevant provisions of the Act, have beenaccounted for in the books of account of the Company in accordance with the Scheme and accounting standards.