RBI seeks to intervene in HC in Tata-NTT Docomo case

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday sought to intervene in the ongoing litigation in Delhi High Court between Tata Sons and Japanese telecom major NTT Docomo over the enforcement of a USD 1.17 billion arbitral award in favour of the foreign company.

The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) had made the award in favour of Docomo for Tata’s alleged breach of an agreement over their telecom joint venture (JV), Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL). In November 2009, Docomo had acquired 26.5 per cent stake in TTSL for about Rs 12,740 crore. The two had also agreed that in case Docomo exits the venture within five years, it will be paid a minimum 50 per cent of the acquisition price.

Under the shareholding agreement between the two, Tata was obligated to find a buyer for Docomo’s shares in TTSL if the Japanese company exited, the condition the Indian company is alleged to have breached.

As per Tata, when it asked for RBI’s approval for payment of the damages, the central bank of the country had said the option was not valid and any payment would have to be made at fair market value.

Docomo had then moved Delhi High Court for enforcement of the award.The lawyer for RBI on Wednesday told Justice S Muralidhar, before whom the matter was listed, that it wanted to be heard also, but the plea was objected to by Docomo.

The court then asked RBI to file an application seeking intervention and listed for hearing on Dec 1.