MUMBAI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed Kolkata based multi system operator (MSO) Manthan Broadband Services to cough up dues worth Rs 2.3 crore to IndiaCast. The order comes after the content aggregator threatened to disconnect its signals failing payment from the petitioner’s (Manthan) side of its monthly subscription fees.

Manthan had admitted to dues of Rs 2.18 crore while IndiaCast claimed it to be Rs 5.07 crore. Adjusting the placement fees, TDSAT has settled it at Rs 2.3 crore. Manthan has been ordered to pay Rs 80 lakh by 30 May while the balance of the Rs 2.3 crore has to be given in two parts on 20 June and 15 July. It will also have to keep paying its monthly fees apart from its dues.

Until further orders come, the monthly subscription fee shall be given after adjusting the placement fees. However, the Tribunal states that by adjusting this, it is not endorsing Manthan’s demand for placement fees or any such in the fresh agreement as well.

Apart from this, Manthan has been directed to carry ETV News Bangla channel apart from the other channels in the agreement. ETV News Bangla was launched recently in March 2014.

However, if Manthan defaults in the payment of dues or subscription fees, IndiaCast is free to disconnect its signals to the former without any notice or order from TDSAT.

The next date of hearing has been set to 21 July and the parties have been asked to negotiate and come up with a fresh agreement starting from 1 April.