(20 September 2006 10:30 pm)

MUMBAI: The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the central government for its response to a petition filed by Star India challenging the Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) order capping pricing of pay channels at Rs 5 under conditional access system (CAS).

The matter will come up for next hearing on 15 November. The court will examine whether Star's fundamental right to do business in India stands affected by the price regulation.

Star has the option to approach the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

"Our writ petition has been admitted by the court and has been slotted for hearing on 15 November. We will only know then if our plea stands accepted or rejected," says a Star India spokesperson.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Star, argued that the regulation of broadcasting was beyond Trai's jurisdiction.

Star had filed an appeal in the court, challenging the basis of Trai's recent announcement on pricing for CAS. The matter came up for hearing today.