Ericsson Case: Anil Ambani was Found Guilty of Contempt, Asked to Pay the Instalments in 4 Weeks or Face Jail

The Supreme Court on Wednesday held Reliance Communications president Anil Ambani and two directors in contempt of court over a petition filed by telecoms operator Ericsson India, ANI reported. Ericsson India had presented a declaration of contempt against Ambani for not liquidating the quotas of Rs 550 crore.

Supreme Court holds Reliance Communication chairman Anil Ambani and two directors guilty of contempt of court on a contempt plea filed by Ericsson India against him over not clearing its dues of Rs 550 crore. pic.twitter.com/LKzh1Ic9ij

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

Judges Rohinton Nariman and Vineet Saran argued that three Reliance companies did not intend to pay the money they owed Ericsson and that their conduct amounted to contempt. They also rejected the unconditional apology of Reliance Communications.

The superior court ordered Reliance Communications to pay Rs 453 million years within four weeks to Ericsson, Bar and Bench reported. Ambani will have to spend three months in prison if the company does not pay, the court said.

Breaking: Three Reliance companies had no intention of payment of money, it amounts to contempt of court.#Ericsson #SupremeCourt #Reliance #anilAmbani

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) February 20, 2019

The Supreme Court also requested that a fine of Rs 1 be deposited in the court’s record.

Last month, the higher court had issued a notice to Ambani seeking an answer to the contempt statement filed against the non-liquidation of the fees. In October, the court granted Reliance Communications a deadline of 15 December to reimburse the money after the company sought a 60-day extension. The court did not hear the case on Tuesday due to lack of time, but ordered Ambani to be present in court again the next day.

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed two court officials for manipulating an order approved by a bank in contempt of Ambani.