HC directs Star not to disconnect signals to Asianet

New Delhi, Apr 11 (UNI) The Delhi High Court has directed Star India Pvt Ltd not to disconnect satellite signals to Asianet Satellite Communication (ASC) till the dispute over the enhanced subscription rate was decided by the Telecom Disputes and Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

While disposing of the petition filed by Star India, a division bench headed by Justice M K Sharma directed the ASC to deposit Rs 30 lakh, 50 per cent as security and balance in bonds, before the TDSAT for continuance of the signals.

The Court has also asked the ASC to give an undertaking before the Tribunal that it would pay the balance amount of differences as decided after the redressal of the dispute.

The Bench also ordered the Tribunal to dispose of the matter within a month in accordance with the law.

Star India had filed a petition seeking recovery of its outstanding dues towards subscription charges from the ASC, a multi-system operator engaged in business of transmitting channels of various broadcasters.

It had sought quashing of the TDSAT order which had restrained it from deactivating signals to the ASC as the later had not paid its enhanced subscription fee of Rs 83,40,000 per month, due between 2003 and 2005. The Star had increased the subscription fee from Rs 55 lakh to Rs 83.40 lakh from December 31, 2003.

While contending that TDSAT had erred in passing the order, Star said, ''The order was inconsistent and contrary to its earlier order delivered on January 17, 2006 in the case of Star India Pvt Ltd Vs IndusInd Media Pvt Ltd where it had upheld that the signing of a subscription agreement was a prerequisite for supply of signals.'' UNI PAT AK KP1804