Antrix moves SC on issue of arbitration with Devas

New Delhi, Aug 10 (PTI) Antrix Corporation, the
commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),
has approached the Supreme Court challenging the arbitration
proceedings initiated against it in London by Devas
Multimedia, whose controversial 1,000 crore deal for scarce
S-band spectrum with it was annulled.
Antrix has filed a petition objecting to the invocation
of arbitration proceedings by Devas at the International Court
of Arbitration in London.
It sought that any arbitration proceedings between them
should take place within the boundaries of India.
Antrix is contending that as per their agreement and
tender conditions, the place of arbitration was Bangalore and
has requested the apex court to interpret the arbitration
agreement of the deal.
The petitioner has requested the apex court to decide the
place and other formalities on the arbitration.
Antrix had entered into an agreement with Devas for
leasing of S-band capacity on two satellites -- GSAT 6 and 6A
to be launched by ISRO.
Under the terms of the agreement, Devas was to use the
leased capacity for 12 years to offer multimedia services
through its specialised systems to mobile terminals across
India.
After a controversy broke out on the agreement, the
Cabinet Committee on Security had scrapped the deal in
February citing strategic reasons.