Govt seeks time till Nov 2012 to begin spectrum auction

The Government has moved the Supreme Court seeking a "final" extension of the deadline for 2G spectrum auction process. 

It has sought time till November 2012 to start the auction, and another 40 days to complete the auction as well as to allocate spectrum and grant licences. 

"This application for a further extension of time is made in public interest to ensure that the auction yields maximum revenue to the Government. It would be therefore in the interest of justice to grant the extension needed," the Government said in its 11-page application. 

This is the second extension that the Government has asked for. Earlier, the apex court had asked the Government to complete the auction by August 31. It had also given time to the Government to cancel the licences given in 2008 by September 7. 

The Government claimed that it "has already taken several steps and is taking further steps" to ensure prompt implementation of the apex court order and for the expeditious conduct of the auction. 

It submitted that the additional time sought was "for the completion of an auction process that will enable the auctioneer and bidders to carry forward the auction in a proper manner that will ensure that the directions of the Supreme Court are implemented in letter and spirit."

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/government-news/item/1586-govt-seeks-time-till-nov-2012-to-begin-spectrum-auction.htmlSource: http://cablequest.org/news/government-news/item/1586-govt-seeks-time-till-nov-2012-to-begin-spectrum-auction.html