The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal on Tuesday directed Tata Play to pay a lower sum of Rs 40 crore to Sony instead of Rs 128 crore within the coming two weeks, amid an ongoing broadcasting dispute between the two major players. Moreover, the court also ordered Sony to stop broadcasting scroll on TV channels about the unavailability of Sony channels on the DTH platform. The dispute arose after Sony issued a demand notice on May 21, 2025, claiming that Tata Play owed it over Rs 128 crore. After hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal stayed the enforcement of Sony’s massive demand notice until the next hearing, scheduled for July 23, 2025.Tata Play contested the demand, arguing that it had already made substantial payments and that the amount claimed was neither due nor accurate. However, the tribunal clarified that the Rs 40 crore payment is a temporary step and does not mean Tata Play admits it owes more money. Sony accepting this money also would not mean they agree on the amount, noted the telecom court.Meanwhile, according to the ruling, Sony will immediately stop broadcasting static images and scrolls on television channels that warned viewers about the potential unavailability of Sony channels on the Tata Play platform. The case stems from a financial dispute over outstanding dues, with Tata Play arguing that it had already made substantial payments to Sony and that the remaining amount, if any, was being incorrectly calculated. Tata Play cited past payments of over Rs 4,000 crore across 10 years and annual payments of approximately Rs 700 crore.As such, the tribunal took note of these arguments and stated that there was a prima facie case in favour of Tata Play, justifying interim relief. Moreover, the court encouraged both parties to reconcile their differences, including pending account settlements, ahead of the next hearing.
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal on Tuesday directed Tata Play to pay a lower sum of Rs 40 crore to Sony instead of Rs 128 crore within the coming two weeks, amid an ongoing broadcasting dispute between the two major players. Moreover, the court also ordered Sony to stop broadcasting scroll on TV channels about the unavailability of Sony channels on the DTH platform. The dispute arose after Sony issued a demand notice on May 21, 2025, claiming that Tata Play owed it over Rs 128 crore. After hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal stayed the enforcement of Sony’s massive demand notice until the next hearing, scheduled for July 23, 2025.Tata Play contested the demand, arguing that it had already made substantial payments and that the amount claimed was neither due nor accurate. However, the tribunal clarified that the Rs 40 crore payment is a temporary step and does not mean Tata Play admits it owes more money. Sony accepting this money also would not mean they agree on the amount, noted the telecom court.Meanwhile, according to the ruling, Sony will immediately stop broadcasting static images and scrolls on television channels that warned viewers about the potential unavailability of Sony channels on the Tata Play platform. The case stems from a financial dispute over outstanding dues, with Tata Play arguing that it had already made substantial payments to Sony and that the remaining amount, if any, was being incorrectly calculated. Tata Play cited past payments of over Rs 4,000 crore across 10 years and annual payments of approximately Rs 700 crore.As such, the tribunal took note of these arguments and stated that there was a prima facie case in favour of Tata Play, justifying interim relief. Moreover, the court encouraged both parties to reconcile their differences, including pending account settlements, ahead of the next hearing. Economic Times
