Bharti Airtel Limited has disclosed receiving a notice from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) imposing a penalty of ₹1,74,000. This action follows a sample Customer Application Form (CAF) Audit conducted in January 2026, which alleged violations related to subscriber verification norms under the License Agreement. The company has decided not to contest the penalty and will proceed with payment.
Regulatory Disclosure and Penalty Imposition
Bharti Airtel Limited issued a formal communication on March 28, 2026, detailing an action taken by the Madhya Pradesh Licensed Service Area (LSA) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The company received a notice imposing a financial penalty amounting to Rs. 1,74,000.
The penalty stems from an alleged violation concerning subscriber verification norms. The notice was officially received by the company on March 27, 2026, at 1815 Hrs.
Basis of the Allegation
The core of the issue relates to the Company’s compliance with its License Agreement, which mandates adequate verification of customers before enrolling them as subscribers. The DoT conducts periodic Customer Application Form Audits (CAF Audits) to confirm adherence to these licensing terms.
The specific allegation arises from a sample CAF Audit conducted for January 2026. The audit found alleged violations of the terms and conditions regarding subscriber verification procedures stipulated in the License Agreement.
Company Response and Financial Impact
The material consequence of this directive is financial, with the maximum implication being to the extent of the penalty levied. Following internal review, Bharti Airtel Limited has decided on a course of action: the company has opted not to contest the findings and will pay the penalty amount.
The company assures that the information provided regarding the penalty and the underlying violation is true, correct, and complete to the best of its knowledge and belief.
Source: BSE
