MUMBAI: Global media communications conglomerate WPP has issued a statement welcoming the lower court of New York’s decision to dismiss the law suit filed by Indian news broadcaster New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV).

On 4 March, the New York court ruled in favour of dismissing the case lodged by NDTV against WPP, Kantar and Neilsen regarding corruption in the television ratings system in India by Television Audience Measurement (TAM).

WPP’s statement reads –

“As previously noted, NDTV‘s case was dismissed 4 March 2013 by the court on jurisdiction (“forum non conveniens”) grounds, on the basis that there were "minimal contacts" with New York.

“Further, the court did in fact address the causes of action raised by NDTV. According to a transcript of the oral argument and the decision rendered by the Court, Judge Sherwood stated that if he were to look at the various claims he would dismiss those claims as well.

“The Court could go on and look at the claims aimed at dismissing the individual causes of action. In the interests of time I am not going to do that. Although, I will tell you that were I to go through them all I would dismiss those claims, as well[...] I could go on and talk about the other causes of action for fraud and breach of contract and so on […] And were I to go through those The Court would dismiss those, as well.

WPP is pleased with the Court‘s decision and welcomes the complete dismissal of this ill-founded and inappropriate law suit. WPP is confident that if NDTV elects to appeal this decision in New York, the judge’s well-reasoned decision will be affirmed.”