TDSAT restrains Zee Entertainment from disconnecting signal to Kal Cables
Hearing the case on Thursday, the tribunal recapped Zee’s stance that the audit of SCV’s system in November was non-complaint with the schedule-3 of the regulations.
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on Thursday directed Zee Entertainment to not give effect to the impugned notice of disconnection against Kal Cables (SCV) dated 19 February till the next date of hearing.
Hearing the case on Thursday, the tribunal recapped Zee’s stance that the audit of SCV’s system in November was non-complaint with the schedule-3 of the regulations.
Zee also alleged that SCV had indulged in the supply of unencrypted signals to large number of subscribers and on that basis in addition to the invoices raised in the regular course up to January 2020, another debit note of Rs 1 Crore (Approx) has been raised. The broadcaster alleged that no relief should be given as SCV had indulged in wrong practices.
SCV, on the other hand, took a firm stand that the subsequent audit on 10 March didn’t support the conclusions which Zee had shown on the basis of the earlier audit report. It further submitted that it had been making regular payments.
It placed upon a letter dated 10th March which showed that a cheque of Rs 1.28 crores (approx) had been sent to Zee. However, the billed amount appeared to be Rs 1.3 crores (approx), the tribunal noted. SCV offered to make good any outstanding dues on the basis of invoices till January 2020, within a week if any intimation was given towards such outstanding.
In view of the stand, the tribunal stayed the disconnection notice subject to payment of regular invoices and also payment of outstanding dues. The amount of Rs 1 crore (Approx) shall not be payable by SCV until further orders which will be passed after completion of pleadings.
Posting the matter on the next date of hearing, TDSAT noted, “As prayed, two weeks’ time is granted for filing reply. Time for filing rejoinder shall be considered on the next date. If the latest audit report contained in Annexure P-12 is not complete, the petitioner must supply the entire report along with annexures to the other side within a week, if not already supplied.¨
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