In a major victory for DEN Networks – TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal) directed ZEE Entertainment Limited (ZEEL) to provide channels to DEN Networks on RIO basis dismissing ZEEL’s claim that SMS and CAS of DEN were not compliant with the regulations. 

TDSAT has passed this order in favour of DEN Networks after taking cognizance of Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) audit report which found that DEN’s systems are fully compliant with TRAI regulations. 

Earlier, DEN had filed a petition in TDSAT to go on RIO with ZEEL till the time both the parties are not able to negotiate for agreed terms of settlement and further agreement on Content Subscription. And TDSAT in its order dated 15th January 2018 had directed  BECIL to hold an audit of the DEN Networks’ to find out whether it is regulation compliant or not.

Both the parties are in dispute due to outstanding dues and non-renewal of their commercial arrangement which expired on December 31, 2017.  

In its order, the Tribunal had also directed both the parties to appear before CA Mediator on February 5, 2018 and asked the Mediator to submit / furnish the result of the mediation proceedings within 10 days. 

Accepting the request of BECIL for additional time, the Tribunal had granted it six weeks’ time to submit the audit report of three JV companies of DEN Networks having independent DAS license alongwith independent head-end separate CAS and SMS servers.  

The Tribunal also asked DEN Networks to release the pending / outstanding dues of Rs 23.50 Crore which DEN had withheld subject to resolution of the dispute.