TDSAT refuses to stay TRAI's orders on broadcasters' plea
TDSAT refused to entertain private broadcasters' plea to stay the sector regulator's direction asking them to provide channels on a pick-and-choose basis.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: The broadcast tribunal on Tuesdaay refused to entertain private broadcasters' plea to stay the sector regulator's direction asking them to provide channels on a pick-and-choose basis to multi-system operators and cable operators in "non-CAS" areas.
Turning down the request of Zee-Turner, Star India and Set Discovery to pass an interim direction, the Telcom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal said that at this stage it was not going to pass any order.
TDSAT Chairman Justice Arun Kumar also declined the broadcaster's request to direct the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India not to take any coercive steps against them.
Meanwhile, during the proceedings, counsel representing TRAI submitted that action would be taken against broadcasters who violate the regulation.
In its October 4 directive, TRAI had directed the broadcasters to provide channels to Multi System Operators on 'a la carte' basis in the interest of consumers. The deadline for implementing TRAI's directive lapsed last week.
During the proceedings, broadcasters contended that TRAI's regulation was "erroneous" as it would benefit the MSOs and the local cable operator and not the consumers.
"Please protect us from time line... No coercive steps (should be taken). It could not be done so unless the consumer interest is addressed by the authority," said the counsel representing the broadcasters.
They also said they were ready to provide on a la carte basis to the customers but not the MSOs.
Turning down the request of Zee-Turner, Star India and Set Discovery to pass an interim direction, the Telcom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal said that at this stage it was not going to pass any order.
TDSAT Chairman Justice Arun Kumar also declined the broadcaster's request to direct the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India not to take any coercive steps against them.
Meanwhile, during the proceedings, counsel representing TRAI submitted that action would be taken against broadcasters who violate the regulation.
In its October 4 directive, TRAI had directed the broadcasters to provide channels to Multi System Operators on 'a la carte' basis in the interest of consumers. The deadline for implementing TRAI's directive lapsed last week.
During the proceedings, broadcasters contended that TRAI's regulation was "erroneous" as it would benefit the MSOs and the local cable operator and not the consumers.
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"Please protect us from time line... No coercive steps (should be taken). It could not be done so unless the consumer interest is addressed by the authority," said the counsel representing the broadcasters.
They also said they were ready to provide on a la carte basis to the customers but not the MSOs.
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