An arbitrator has dismissed broadband technology firm Sterlite Technologies’ Rs 145 crore claims against BSNL regarding an optical fibre cable laying project, according to a regulatory disclosure on Friday.
Sterlite Technologies (STL) stated it is exploring options to contest the arbitrator’s decision. “BSNL had withheld payments totaling Rs 145.02 crore for trenching conducted at a depth below 165 cms, which was approved by BSNL due to legitimate site constraints,” STL stated.
STL had submitted claims challenging BSNL’s imposition of depth penalties. The arbitrator’s ruling, issued on April 18, 2024, rejected STL’s claims, as disclosed in the filing. The arbitration proceedings were presided over by Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed, former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
