TDSAT defers hearing on conditional access system for TV channels

14 November 2006

The hearing was deferred as counsels appearing on behalf of some broadcasters who challenged the order sought more time to file replies.

Broadcasters Set, Discovery, ESPN Star Sports and ESPN Software India Ltd who have challenged TRAI's directive, have asked Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal for more time to file their replies.

The TDSAT bench headed by Justice Arun Kumar listed the matter on December 12 for the next hearing.

Following TDSAT's directions on October 4, broadcasters were to file their rejoinders over the reply filed by TRAI. However, only ESPN Star Sports has filed its reply.

ESPN counsel Iqbal Chagla said multi system operators Hathway Cable and Indusind Media, who support TRAI, had also filed their reply late and the broadcasters needed time to file rejoinder for their applications.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had on August 31 asked channels to charge Rs5 per channel per month in areas falling under CAS.