The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has cancelled the registration of Maharashtra registered MSO named Bhusawal Cable for stealing signals of public broadcaster Doordarshan’s FreeDish and re-transmitting them over its own network.
Earlier this year, MIB set up an inquiry over a complaint that Bhusawal Cable Network was taking feed from DD FreeDish and re-transmitting on its network. The enquiry report confirmed the use of DD FreeDish by Bhusawal Cable Network for re-transmission of certain mandatory and private satellite channels with incontrovertible video evidence, which established the violation of cable TV rules. The MSO was served a show-cause notice on 24 September 2021.
The MSO claimed that the video recording and the other allegations against them were not genuine, but failed to furnish any evidence to corroborate the claim. The MSO had also alleged that its competitors were trying to oust them from the business.
In an official statement, MIB said, “Bhusawal Cable Network Pvt. Ltd. failed to give any satisfactory reply with documentary support in favour of its denial of all the charges levelled against it. Therefore, taking cognizance of the offences committed by M/s Bhusawal Cable Network Pvt. Ltd., the MSO registration granted to it on 04.1I .2015 by this Ministry is terminated/cancelled with immediate effect.”
The MSO can appeal to the MIB Secretary against the registration cancellation order.
