The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on Tuesday rejected the interim relief plea of Brahmaputra Teleproductions Pvt Ltd against the disconnection notice issued to it by Axom Communications and Cable Pvt Ltd.
Axom Cable on 8th March issued a public disconnection notice to the broadcaster for non-payment. The amount of dues alleged by the cable operator is huge.
Brahmaputra Teleproductions in its defense said that the written agreements were in place for only one year and thereafter the broadcaster enjoyed redistribution of its channels without any agreement, and therefore, the understanding between the parties will not govern the parties and no outstanding dues can be claimed by Axom Cable.
It further stated that according to Regulations of 2017, which were amended on 1 January 2020, the price of the Free to Air channel is much less.
The tribunal wasn’t impressed by the broadcaster’s defense. Posting the matter in April TDSAT noted, ” This issue, prima facie, does not help the petitioner because the arrears are since long past. Hence, the prayer for interim relief is rejected at this stage. It shall be reconsidered after the reply and rejoinder have been filed. As prayed, three weeks’ time is granted for a reply. Rejoinder, if any be filed within one week thereafter. It will be open for the petitioner to approach the respondent for settlement and for the resumption of distribution of signals.”
Brahmaputra Teleproductions owns and runs News 11, Jonack and DY365 channels.
