In Brief
The Union of India challenged the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal's handling of subscriber verification requirements under telecom licences. The issue was whether government circulars regarding verification could be applied retrospectively to override the tribunal's prior orders. The Supreme Court clarified that all circulars issued by the Department of Telecommunications must be strictly followed, but they operate prospectively only. The impugned judgment was modified accordingly, and the appeals were disposed of.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.