Television
Rs 128 crore DTH duel: TDSAT pushes Tata Play vs Culver Max case to March 30
High-stakes broadcast standoff hits pause as tribunal delays hearing after technical glitch
NEW DELHI: The long-running tussle between Tata Play and broadcaster Culver Max Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India (Spni), over subscription dues hit another pause on Friday, with the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) adjourning the matter to March 30.
The dispute began in May 2025 when Tata Play removed 25 Culver Max channels from its DTH packs, citing contractual disagreements. Culver Max countered that the move breached their interconnection agreement and regulatory norms, prompting it to issue a disconnection notice claiming Rs 128.42 crore in unpaid dues.
Tata Play challenged the notice, and in May 2025, TDSAT granted interim protection, allowing channels to remain on air after a Rs 40 crore deposit. Despite the temporary truce, both parties continued to clash over outstanding payments, reconciliations, and bouquet packaging changes. Culver Max claimed over Rs 63 crore was still unpaid even after adjustments, while Tata Play insisted most dues were settled and remaining differences were routine reconciliations.
Friday’s proceedings were brief, cut short by technical glitches, and at the request of the petitioner. The bench, led by chairperson justice Dhirubhai Naranbhai Patel and member Sanjeev Banzal, deferred the case, keeping eyes on the high-stakes broadcasting standoff firmly on the calendar for March 30.
Senior advocates Amit Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for Culver Max and Tata Play respectively, with both sides prepared for what has become one of India’s most closely watched DTH-broadcaster battles.
The saga has not only raised eyebrows over millions in broadcast dues but also spotlighted the delicate dance between bouquet reshuffles, regulatory compliance, and big-ticket payments in the DTH world.
