The delay game: How Ncell keeps billions out of state coffers
Summary
Ncell has delayed paying billions in taxes and fees to the Nepal government by repeatedly litigating in courts, including the Supreme Court, resulting in prolonged unpaid liabilities.
Key Points
- Nepal Telecommunications Authority directed Ncell to pay Rs 840 million in frequency fees, but Ncell secured an interim court order delaying payment for nearly five years.
- Ncell faces multiple tax liability cases totaling over Rs 85 billion related to capital gains, frequency fees, and other taxes, many pending in courts.
- The Supreme Court has reduced some of Ncell's tax liabilities, but several cases remain unresolved or delayed, allowing Ncell to defer payments.
- A government committee highlighted Ncell's litigation as a strategy to evade tax payments, involving both national courts and international arbitration.
