NEW DELHI: Nagpur multi-system operator (MSO) UCN Cable Network has been directed to restore the supply of Star channels to Raj Cable Network, Maharashtra, with immediate effect as an interim measure.

Giving this directive, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) also asked the MSO to ensure that the local cable operators’ (LCOs) network receives the Indiacast and Taj Television channels.

If the channels of the two broadcasters have been discontinued at the instance of the MSO, TDSAT chairman Justice Aftab Alam and members Kuldip Singh and B B Srivastava said, “It will be viewed as a case of deliberate contempt and the respondent (UCN Network) will be liable for the consequences.”

The Tribunal also said until further orders, Raj Cable will not transmit through its network the signals received from any MSO other than UCN Network.

Raj Cable had stated that not knowing the proper forum for redressal of its grievances, the petitioner earlier filed a suit in the court of Civil Judge, Yavatmal. The suit was called out before the court of Civil Judge yesterday and the next date fixed in it is 27 October.

In the petition before the Tribunal, however, it is undertaken that the suit will be withdrawn.

Counsel Vikram Singh accepted notice on behalf of the MSO and was asked to file reply within two weeks with rejoinder, if any, within one week from the date of receipt of a copy of the reply. The matter was listed for 19 November.

Raj Cable alleged that the MSO unauthorisedly disconnected the supply of Star, Indiacast and Taj Television to its network. MSO counsel Vikram Singh admitted the disconnection of Star channels to Raj Cable, which took effect on 8 October but denied discontinuation of the supply of Taj Television and Indiacast channels.