Telecom tribunal TDSAT directed Anil Ambani Group's Reliance [Get Quote] Communication on Friday to pay 65 per cent of an amount claimed by state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited for its Kerala circle.

Passing an interim order, Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal also directed BSNL to restore RCom's inter- connection within 48 hours of such payment. TDSAT Chairman Justice Arun Kumar said: "I am of a view that the petitioner (Rcom) should deposit an amount of 65 per cent of disputed claim in one week and respondent should restore the connection with 48 hours of the deposit."

The direction came on a petition filed by RCom seeking restoration of inter-connection for its Kerala circle, disconnected by BSNL on January 1 on account of non payment of fees.

BSNL had claimed Rs 90 crore (Rs 900 million) from the CDMA operator alleging violation of Caller Line Identity and wrong routing of international calls as local calls.

During the proceedings, BSNL contended that RCom was supposed to pay Rs 5 per minute as carriage charge for ISD calls, while the fees for local calls was 30 paise only.

"It saved Rs 4.70 paise per minute by showing the international calls as local calls by tampering CLI," alleged BSNL.

The due date for payment of the balance was December 31 last, and the inter-connection was disconnected on January 1. This was strongly opposed by RCom, which contended that all the claims made by BSNL are without any evidence.