The recent tariff hike by three private mobile operators appears to have ignited a turf war between Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, with the regulator contending that the issue does not come under the tribunal's jurisdiction.
"TDSAT has no right to pass any direction because the dispute involved is not covered under Section 14 of the Trai Act. TDSAT could only entertain against the Trai order," Additional Solicitor General Vikas Singh, appearing for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
During a hearing in the tribunal, Trai also said it was not the right time to step in as price hike was done only recently.
Admitting the petition filed by Delhi-based NGO Telecom Watchdog against the tariff hike, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal issued notices to Trai and Bharti Airtel, Vodafone-Essar
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