HC rejects TV Today plea against publishing Republic TV's ratings

HC rejects TV Today plea against publishing Republic TV's ratings

MUMBAI: The Delhi high court on Thursday evening rejected TV Today's plea against Republic TV, channel sources told indiantelevision.com.

Before pulling out of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC India), TV Today Network had approached the Delhi High Court to prevent the publication of Republic TV’s BARC ratings. In a plea under the civil extraordinary writ jurisdiction, the network sought an urgent hearing of the matter on 17 May, a day before BARC India released the data for week 19 (6 --12 May, 2017).

The prayer had accused Republic TV of telecast on multiple logical channel numbers (LCNs) in violation of of TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) regulations.

TV Today said the court should direct TRAI to finish its investigation in a limited time bound period. The court denied that plea too.

The court said that this is a matter between broadcasters, MSOs and TRAI. The court did not go into maintainability of TV Today's case. Said this is a matter for TRAI to look into and take action as per current laws.

TRAI confirmed in court that it has received complaints against Republic TV and also several including TV Today. It will investigate and take appropriate action.