NEW DELHI: City Digital Network has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal ‘by way of last indulgence’ to pay the second instalment of Rs 2.5 lakh to Star India by 26 July 2016.

While directing Star India to reconnect the signals to the MSO, member B B Srivastava had on 22 June 2016 directed it to clear payment to Star India in two instalments.

Listing the matter for 29 August, the Tribunal on 20 July 2016 said the broadcaster would be at liberty to disconnect the signals if the MSO still defaulted.

The signals to the MSO were to be restored on payment of the first instalment of Rs one lakh by 24 June 2016.

Star India Counsel Saurabh Srivastava told the Tribunal that the second instalment of Rs 2.5 lakh had not been cleared but the signals were being continued as the Tribunal had not given the liberty to disconnect in the event of non-payment and so the MSO continued to enjoy the signals.

In the order of 22 June 2016, the Tribunal had also directed the parties to meet at a mutually convenient date to resolve differences and work on a new interconnect agreement.

Meanwhile in another matter, Sun Distribution Services Pvt Ltd informed the Tribunal that City Digital Network had not cleared fifty per cent of the amount due at the time of disconnection despite the orders of the Tribunal.

While permitting Sun to file its rejoinder, the Tribunal clarified that this order did not preclude the two sides from coming to the negotiating table.

The matter was thereafter listed for 19 August 2016.