BHARTI AIRTEL LTD. vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court addressed issues arising under Section 18 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 and Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, concerning the licensing of telecommunication services. The Court held that the Central Government retains exclusive rights to establish and maintain telegraphs, but can license private entities to operate under its authority. The judgment clarified the legal framework governing telecommunication licenses and affirmed the validity of existing licenses granted under the relevant statutes.