The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation (TACTV) to pay 50% of total outstanding dues worth Rs 277.51 crore to Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) for non-disclosure of bouquet packs as revealed in the audit, leading to financial loss to the broadcaster.
Arasu will have to pay the 50% amount to Sony within two months from the issued order 16th February, to avoid disconnection of signals by the broadcaster. Sony has contended that the audit report discloses the various channels, comprising seven unreported DPO packages and also details and numbers of subscribers which have not been supplied by Arasu in its subscriber reports.
The tribunal stated that technologically, the channels of Sony group could be uplinked only by the broadcaster and downlinked by a DPO. Such facility or the legal authority to uplink or downlink does not vest in a local cable operator providing local channels. Further, no agreements show lease or transfer of proprietorship, etc., from Sony group to any local channel.
The order stated, “If 50% of the amount indicated above is paid within two months from today, the petitioner shall not issue disconnection notice without seeking leave of the Tribunal.” The matter has been posted before the Court of Registrar on 9th March, for passing necessary orders and directions to make the petition ready for hearing.
