TDSAT expresses displeasure over TRAI's move

A Delhi court issued summons to broadcasters, the sectoral tribunal TDSAT today expressed its displeasure over TRAI moving the court when a dispute was already pending before it.
Shortly after Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidya Prakash issued summons to 14 broadcasters on complaints by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on the issue of capping advertisements 12 minutes per hour, the television channels approached TDSAT against TRAI's action.
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal headed by Justice Aftab Alam observed:" We are somewhat surprised at the sudden and drastic action taken by the TRAI".
The tribunal asked the counsel appearing for the regulator to get instructions "to whether the TRAI is willing to withdraw the complaints filed during the pendency of the Appeals before the Tribunal or at least till an interim order is passed on the issue after hearing both sides".

The tribunal has put the matter tomorrow for hearing.
The city has issued notices to the broadcasters for September 25 and 26 over TRAI's complaint.
The TRAI had in its complaint said the broadcasters have been violating the TRAI regulations which limit the time of advertisement during one hour of programme to 12 minutes.
The regulations have been challenged in TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal) but have not been stayed, TRAI informed the court.