TDSAT restrains Sony from disconnecting signals to Tata Play; directs interim payment of ₹40 crore
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed broadcaster Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), legally known as Culver Max Entertainment, not to proceed with its disconnection notice issued to direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata Play.TDSAT also ordered Tata Play to pay ₹40 crore to SPNI within two weeks as a part payment against the broadcaster's claimed dues of ₹128 crore. The amount, the tribunal said, would be adjusted against the final liability at the time of the final hearing.While admitting Tata Play's petition challenging the disconnection notice dated May 21, a TDSAT bench comprising Chairperson Justice D.N. Patel and Member Subodh Kumar Gupta listed the matter for directions on July 23.
'We hereby stay the operation, implementation and execution of the notice issued by the respondent (SPNI) dated 21.5.2025,' the tribunal said in its order, adding that the stay will remain in effect until the next hearing.
The tribunal also urged both parties to reconcile their disputes, including account-level reconciliations.
SPNI had been running scrolls advising viewers to switch to other DTH or cable TV operators to access its channels. Tata Play had earlier decided to drop Sony channels from its packs.
Tata Play and SPNI have been at loggerheads over commercial disagreements regarding the renewal of their annual subscription deal. While SPNI is seeking a fee hike, Tata Play has pushed back, citing declining viewership of Sony channels.
Representing Tata Play, senior counsels Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Meet Malhotra argued that the broadcaster's demand was unjustified. They said Tata Play had already paid around ₹4,000 crore over the past decade, including ₹700 crore annually, and had made substantial payments since SPNI's initial communication in March 2025 seeking dues of ₹300 crore.
They also claimed the ₹128 crore demanded was neither due nor payable on the notice date, and accused SPNI of not properly considering set-off amounts. The counsels further alleged that SPNI violated Regulations 17 and 35 of the 2017 Broadcasting and Cable Services
Consumer Protection regulations
.
Acknowledging the petition and supporting documents, the tribunal noted a prima facie case in Tata Play's favour, adding that the balance of convenience also lay with the DTH operator. It warned that failing to grant the stay could cause irreparable harm to Tata Play.
Appearing for SPNI, senior counsel Abhishek Malhotra submitted that the scrolls would be withdrawn if Tata Play made some payment and the accounts were reconciled. Based on these assurances, the tribunal refrained from issuing a detailed order at this stage.
Tata Play, jointly owned by Tata Sons (70%) and Walt Disney (30%), reported a consolidated net loss of ₹510 crore for FY25, up 44% from ₹354 crore the previous year. Revenue fell 5.46% to ₹4,082 crore due to subscriber losses driven by increased competition from DD Free Dish and the growing popularity of OTT platforms.
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Time of India
28-05-2025
- Time of India
TDSAT restrains Sony from disconnecting signals to Tata Play; directs interim payment of ₹40 crore
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed broadcaster Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), legally known as Culver Max Entertainment, not to proceed with its disconnection notice issued to direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata also ordered Tata Play to pay ₹40 crore to SPNI within two weeks as a part payment against the broadcaster's claimed dues of ₹128 crore. The amount, the tribunal said, would be adjusted against the final liability at the time of the final admitting Tata Play's petition challenging the disconnection notice dated May 21, a TDSAT bench comprising Chairperson Justice D.N. Patel and Member Subodh Kumar Gupta listed the matter for directions on July 23. 'We hereby stay the operation, implementation and execution of the notice issued by the respondent (SPNI) dated 21.5.2025,' the tribunal said in its order, adding that the stay will remain in effect until the next hearing. The tribunal also urged both parties to reconcile their disputes, including account-level reconciliations. SPNI had been running scrolls advising viewers to switch to other DTH or cable TV operators to access its channels. Tata Play had earlier decided to drop Sony channels from its packs. Tata Play and SPNI have been at loggerheads over commercial disagreements regarding the renewal of their annual subscription deal. While SPNI is seeking a fee hike, Tata Play has pushed back, citing declining viewership of Sony channels. Representing Tata Play, senior counsels Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Meet Malhotra argued that the broadcaster's demand was unjustified. They said Tata Play had already paid around ₹4,000 crore over the past decade, including ₹700 crore annually, and had made substantial payments since SPNI's initial communication in March 2025 seeking dues of ₹300 crore. They also claimed the ₹128 crore demanded was neither due nor payable on the notice date, and accused SPNI of not properly considering set-off amounts. The counsels further alleged that SPNI violated Regulations 17 and 35 of the 2017 Broadcasting and Cable Services Consumer Protection regulations . Acknowledging the petition and supporting documents, the tribunal noted a prima facie case in Tata Play's favour, adding that the balance of convenience also lay with the DTH operator. It warned that failing to grant the stay could cause irreparable harm to Tata Play. Appearing for SPNI, senior counsel Abhishek Malhotra submitted that the scrolls would be withdrawn if Tata Play made some payment and the accounts were reconciled. Based on these assurances, the tribunal refrained from issuing a detailed order at this stage. Tata Play, jointly owned by Tata Sons (70%) and Walt Disney (30%), reported a consolidated net loss of ₹510 crore for FY25, up 44% from ₹354 crore the previous year. Revenue fell 5.46% to ₹4,082 crore due to subscriber losses driven by increased competition from DD Free Dish and the growing popularity of OTT platforms.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Time of India
TDSAT restrains Sony from disconnecting signals to Tata Play; directs interim payment of Rs 40 crore
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed broadcaster Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), legally known as Culver Max Entertainment, not to proceed with its disconnection notice issued to direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata Play TDSAT also ordered Tata Play to pay Rs 40 crore to SPNI within two weeks as a part payment against the broadcaster's claimed dues of Rs 128 crore. The amount, the tribunal said, would be adjusted against the final liability at the time of the final admitting Tata Play's petition challenging the disconnection notice dated May 21, a TDSAT bench comprising Chairperson Justice D.N. Patel and Member Subodh Kumar Gupta listed the matter for directions on July 23.'We hereby stay the operation, implementation and execution of the notice issued by the respondent (SPNI) dated 21.5.2025,' the tribunal said in its order, adding that the stay will remain in effect until the next tribunal also urged both parties to reconcile their disputes, including account-level had been running scrolls advising viewers to switch to other DTH or cable TV operators to access its channels. Tata Play subsequently decided to drop Sony channels from its dispute stems from commercial disagreements over the renewal of the annual subscription deal. While SPNI is seeking a fee hike, Tata Play has pushed back, citing declining viewership of Sony Tata Play, senior counsels Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Meet Malhotra argued that the broadcaster's demand was unjustified. They said Tata Play had already paid around Rs 4,000 crore over the past decade, including Rs 700 crore annually, and had made substantial payments since SPNI's initial communication in March 2025 seeking dues of Rs 300 also claimed the Rs 128 crore demanded was neither due nor payable on the notice date, and accused SPNI of not properly considering set-off amounts. The counsels further alleged that SPNI violated Regulations 17 and 35 of the 2017 Broadcasting and Cable Services Consumer Protection regulations Acknowledging the petition and supporting documents, the tribunal noted a prima facie case in Tata Play's favour, adding that the balance of convenience also lay with the DTH operator. It warned that failing to grant the stay could cause irreparable harm to Tata for SPNI, senior counsel Abhishek Malhotra submitted that the scrolls would be withdrawn if Tata Play made some payment and the accounts were reconciled. Based on these assurances, the tribunal refrained from issuing a detailed order at this Play, jointly owned by Tata Sons (70%) and Walt Disney (30%), reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 510 crore for FY25, up 44% from Rs 354 crore the previous year. Revenue fell 5.46% to Rs 4,082 crore due to subscriber losses driven by increased competition from DD Free Dish and the growing popularity of OTT platforms.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Time of India
TDSAT rules in favour of Tata Play, asks to pay Rs 40 crore instead of Rs 128 crore to Sony
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal on Tuesday directed Tata Play to pay a lower sum of Rs 40 crore to Sony instead of Rs 128 crore within the coming two weeks, amid an ongoing broadcasting dispute between the two major players. The dispute arose after Sony issued a demand notice on May 21, 2025, claiming that Tata Play owed it over Rs 128 crore. After hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal stayed the enforcement of Sony's massive demand notice until the next hearing, scheduled for July 23, 2025. Tata Play contested the demand, arguing that it had already made substantial payments and that the amount claimed was neither due nor accurate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses India (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo However, the tribunal clarified that the Rs 40 crore payment is a temporary step and does not mean Tata Play admits it owes more money. Sony accepting this money also doesn't mean they agree on the amount. Additionally, the tribunal also ordered Sony to immediately stop broadcasting static images and scrolls on television channels that warned viewers about the potential unavailability of Sony channels on the Tata Play platform. These messages had reportedly caused concern among subscribers. Live Events The case stems from a financial dispute over outstanding dues, with Tata Play arguing that it had already made substantial payments to Sony and that the remaining amount, if any, was being incorrectly calculated. Tata Play cited past payments of over Rs 4,000 crore across 10 years and annual payments of approximately Rs 700 crore. As such, the tribunal took note of these arguments and stated that there was a prima facie case in favour of Tata Play, justifying interim relief. Moreover, the court encouraged both parties to reconcile their differences, including pending account settlements, ahead of the next hearing.
