Bombay HC Directs CCI not to take coercive action against Disney, Star India and Asianet Star

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday protected three broadcasters and entertainment companies – Asianet Star Communications Pvt Ltd, Disney Broadcasting (India) Pvt Ltd and Star India Pvt Ltd. against coercive action from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) till the next date of hearing in June.

The bench of Justice Gautam Patel and Madhav Jamdar said it was ordering no further action to maintain status quo until all the parties are heard fully before after the summer vacation.

The entertainment companies had approached the High Court against an February 28, 2022 order of the CCI that had ordered an investigation under Section 26(1) of the Competition Act 2002 by the Director General. The CCI’s order was based on a complaint by distributor Asianet Digital Network Pvt Ltd (ADNPL), that provides TV digital services in Kerela and Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh etc.

ADNPL that has had business relations with the three petitioner for the last two decades claimed that according to the regulations and the decisions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (“TRAI”) which governs the and the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (“TDSAT”), broadcasters (such as the Petitioners) must not have discriminatory pricing in commercial contracts with multi service operators. LiveLaw