Bharti Airtel Limited has received a penalty notice of Rs 8,00,000 from the Department of Telecommunications for alleged violations of subscriber verification norms. The telecommunications major disclosed this development through a regulatory filing under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Regulations on March 16, 2026.

Penalty Details and Official Communication

The penalty notice was issued by the Department of Telecommunications, Andhra Pradesh LSA and was received by the company on March 16, 2026 at 1210 Hrs IST. The regulatory disclosure was made to both National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited, with the filing signed by Rohit Krishan Puri, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer.

Regulatory Compliance Framework

Under the terms of its license agreement, Bharti Airtel is required to ensure adequate verification of customers before enrolling them as subscribers and comply with instructions issued by DoT in this regard. The Department of Telecommunications conducts periodic Customer Application Form Audit (CAF Audit) to confirm compliance with licensing terms and conditions related to subscriber verification processes.

Financial Impact and Company Position

The company has stated that the maximum financial impact or implication is limited to the extent of the penalty levied, which amounts to Rs 8,00,000. However, Bharti Airtel has indicated its disagreement with the penalty notice and plans to take appropriate action for rectification or reversal of the same.

Official Documentation and Disclosure

The disclosure was made pursuant to Regulation 30 read with Clause 20 of Para A of Part A of Schedule III of SEBI Listing Regulations. The company submitted detailed information in Annexure A format, declaring that all information provided is true, correct and complete to the best of its knowledge and belief. The filing was digitally signed and submitted to both stock exchanges with appropriate symbol and scrip code references.

This development highlights the ongoing regulatory oversight in India's telecommunications sector, where operators must maintain strict compliance with subscriber verification norms as part of their licensing obligations.

Bharti Airtel Limited has issued final reminder notices to partly paid-up equity shareholders as the first and final call payment period concludes on March 16, 2026. The telecommunications company published advertisements in Business Standard (English and Hindi) newspapers, emphasizing the urgency for eligible shareholders to complete their payments.

Call Payment Details

The company has structured the final call payment with specific terms for eligible shareholders:

Regulatory Compliance and Stock Exchange Communication

Bharti Airtel Limited has maintained comprehensive communication with stock exchanges regarding the final call process. The company submitted newspaper advertisements to both National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and BSE Limited, referencing earlier announcements dated December 18, 2025, January 30, 2026, February 13, 2026, February 14, 2026, March 02, 2026, and March 09, 2026.

Company Secretary & Compliance Officer Rohit Krishan Puri has overseen the regulatory compliance process, ensuring all stakeholders receive proper notification through multiple channels including official correspondence and public advertisements.

Payment Period and Methods

The payment window spans 15 days, running from March 2, 2026, to March 16, 2026. Eligible shareholders can utilize three distinct payment methods:

• Online ASBA: Through Self-Certified Syndicate Banks (SCSBs) websites
• Physical ASBA: By submitting applications to designated SCSB branches
• Online Trading Account: Using 3-in-1 trading-demat-bank accounts where available through brokers

The company has provided comprehensive documentation access through KFin Technologies Limited's website and the company's official portal, including QR codes for convenient access to relevant forms and instructions.

Consequences of Non-Payment

Shareholders who fail to meet the payment deadline face significant penalties. The company will impose 10% annual interest on delayed payments from March 16, 2026, until actual payment completion. Additionally, the board retains authority to apply future dividends toward outstanding call amounts and accrued interest.

Most critically, partly paid-up equity shares, including amounts already paid during application, become liable for forfeiture under the company's Articles of Association and Letter of Offer provisions.

Trading Suspension and Conversion Process

Trading in partly paid-up equity shares has been suspended on stock exchanges since February 6, 2026. Shareholders who complete their payments during the designated period will receive fully paid-up equity shares with ₹5 face value under the existing ISIN INE397D01024.

The conversion process requires completion of regulatory formalities and corporate actions with stock exchanges, expected to conclude within two weeks of the payment period's end. Following this process, fully paid-up shares will resume trading on stock exchanges.

Support and Documentation

KFin Technologies Limited serves as the registrar for this process, providing dedicated support through their toll-free number 1800 309 4001 and email bhartiairtel.rights@kfintech.com . The company has published detailed FAQs and maintains comprehensive documentation on both company and registrar websites.

This represents the final call with no additional calls planned for the issue, making immediate action essential for eligible shareholders to avoid forfeiture of their investments.