MSM DISCOVERY PVT. LTD. Vs. PRABHU CABLE NETWORK

JUDGEMENT

(1.) MSM Discovery Pvt. Ltd., the petitioner, is a broadcaster and it supplies its TV channels, for consideration, to MSOs for further distribution and re -transmission. It has filed this petition against, Prabhu Cable Network, a sole proprietorship concern, operating as a multi -system operator, from whom the petitioner seeks recovery of Rs. 4,28,067/ - as dues of monthly subscription fees.

(2.) THE respondent did not appear despite repeated notices served to it and hence, the petition was proceeded ex parte.

(3.) IT is the case of the petitioner that the respondent was irregular in payment of its monthly subscription fee and defaulted in the monthly payments and as a result arrears of subscription fees amounting to Rs. 4,28,067/ - became due from it. It is further the case of the petitioner that the respondent did not pay its dues despite repeated reminders and hence, left with no other option, the petitioner issued a notice dated 1 October 2013 under clause 4.1 of the Interconnect Regulations. However, the respondent chose not to respond to the said notice as well. The petitioner thereafter published public notices dated 19.10.2013 under clause 4.3 of the Regulations in the two leading local newspapers; viz (i) New Indian Express (English) and (ii) Prajashakti (Regional). However, according to the petitioner, neither any payment nor any response was received from the respondent and therefore, the petitioner deactivated its signals to the respondent on 19.11.2013. The petitioner thereafter sent a legal notice dated 12.12.2013 to the respondent demanding its outstanding dues but the legal notice too failed to yield the desired result. Hence, the petitioner was constrained to file this petition before the Tribunal.