NEW DELHI: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 41,393 on the Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors’ Association (TNFEA) (now known as Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners’ Association).

The penalty has been imposed in respect of information filed by Reliance Big Entertainment (RBE) alleging contravention of the provisions of Section 3 and 4 of the Competition Act. 

RBE alleged that it was entitled to distribute a film titled Osthe in Tamil language that was a remake of Hindi film Dabbang. However, TNFEA boycotted this film with an effort to secure a claim of its members against a third party Sun TV. 

CCI in its investigation concluded that the decisions and conduct of TNFEA in respect of the boycott against the film Osthe and other films dealt by Sun TV were in contravention of the provisions of Section 3 (3) (b). 

The penalty of Rs 41,393 has been imposed at 10 per cent of the average turnover of the Association for the relevant last three years. This penalty is to be deposited within 60 days of receipt of this order.

The CCI has also directed TNFEA to cease and desist from indulging in such anti-competitive conduct in future.