The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on Friday granted Free to Air (FTA) broadcaster Swami Films Entertainment an extended time up to 27th May to communicate its stand to the public broadcaster on its offer for deferred payment.
The tribunal hearing the petition noted that a general communication addressed to the broadcaster and other TV channels had offered them two alternatives by way of relief of account of COVID-19 pandemic. It noted that the broadcaster had to indicate its stand in respect of the offer by today.
TDSAT said that the pendency of the case would not stay in the way of the petitioner either accepting the offers made available or in taking a different stand. Given the pending petition, the tribunal as an indulgence gave the broadcaster and extended time up to 27th May to make its stand clear to the public broadcaster.
The tribunal noted that if the broadcaster opts for any of the schemes offered by DD Free Dish even by 27th May 2020, the benefit of such an offer shall be extended to it. However, if it fails to communicate its acceptance, then DD Free Dish will be free to proceed and take action in accordance with the law.
To recall, Prasar Bharati last week offered two alternatives to the broadcasters in view of the current conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The option 1 is to furnish bank guarantees with deferred payment at 5.7% interest, whereas the last option is to pay up 67% of the carriage fee with 33% being paid on a deferred basis with 5.7% interest.
