No live telecast of India-WI series on Doordarshan: SC

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) The Supreme Court today ruled that the forthcoming cricket series between India and West Indies will not be telecast on Doordarshan.

A division bench comprising Justice Ashok Bhan and Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta restrained Prasar Bharti from taking any coercive measures or steps to downlink the live feed of the series by TEN Sports TV channel.

The order came on an application filed by Taj Television Limited, owners of TEN Sports, seeking directions from the apex court not to allow live telecast of the series between India and the West Indies, commencing on May 18, on Doordarshan, as TEN Sports has the exclusive live telecast rights for the series.

A writ petition was filed by the Dubai-based TV channel challenging the guidelines laid down by the Prasar Bharti for permitting the live telecast of all national and international sports events involving India on Doordarshan, subject to the payment of money by it.

Regarding the French Open tournament due to be played from May 28, the court said, ''let them file a separate application and appropriate orders shall be passed.'' Ten Sports is also seeking to restrain Doordarshan from interfering with the live feed of French Open tournament.

UNI AKS/SC AD AY RK1355