TRP manipulation case: Maharashtra opposes Enforcement Directorate’s intervention

Mumbai: The Maharashtra state government on Friday opposed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) move to file a report in the Bombay High Court in the alleged Television Rating Point (TRP) manipulation case. The lawyers for the state government argued that the central investigation agency has no locus to intervene in the matter.

Kapil Sibal, senior counsel, who is appearing for the state government, argued that they have already submitted a status report in the court and the state now wants to file its response to an amended petition filed by the petitioners Arnab Goswami and ARG Limited.

“I have strong objections to ED appearing in this matter. Why is their enthusiasm more apparent,” argued Sibal when Anil Singh, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) sought to implead ED as a party in the case and submit its report to the court. “They (ED) have no locus to appear before this court in this case.”


The ED said it is investigating a similar TRP manipulation case in Lucknow and sought the court’s permission to submit its report.

Sibal said that they will file their response to an amended petition of ARG Outlier Media Pvt Ltd. Further there would be no coercive action against Republic TV and its employee until the next date of hearing.