May 04, 2001
‘7’
COMPLAINTS AGAINST TV NETWORKS BEFORE MRTP COMMISSION
The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Commission, set up under the MRTP Act, 1969 has received four complaints against television networks in India alleging adoption of restrictive trade practices resulting in manipulation of prices.
The first complaint is by Shri Nirmal Jain against Indusind Media and Communication Ltd and six other television networks under Section 12-A and 10(a)(I) of the MRTP Act, 1969, It has been alleged that the trade practices adopted by the respondents has the effect of preventing, distorting and restricting competition, manipulation of prices and indulging in various restrictive, unfair and monopolistic trade practices.
Notice under Sections 10(a) (I) and 12-A of the Act has been issued to seven respondents namely Indusind Media and Communication Ltd. News Television (India) Ltd., Sony Entertainment Television (India) Ltd., Turner International (India) Pvt. Ltd. , Discovery Communications India Ltd., ESPN Software India Ltd. and Modi Entertainment Network Ltd. The matter is sub-judice before the Commission.
The second complaint is by Noida Network System Pvt. Ltd against Star TV and another under Sections 12-A and 10(a) (I) of the MRTP Act. It is alleged that the respondents are increasing the subscriber fees frequently and arbitrarily, resorting to discriminatory prices and similar other restrictive and unfair trade practices.
Notice under Sections 10(a)(I) and 12-A has been issued to the respondents namely Star TV and News Television (India) Ltd. The matter is sub-judice before the Commission.
The third complaint is by Jammu Communications Networks Pvt. Ltd. against Star TV and another under Sections 12-A and 10(a)(I) of the MRTP Act. It is alleged that the respondents are increasing the subscriber fees frequently and arbitrarily, resorting to discriminatory prices and similar other restrictive and unfair practices.
Notice under Sections 10(a) (I) and 12-A has been issued to the respondents namely Star TV and News Television (India) Ltd. The matter is sub-judice before the Commission.
The fourth complaint is by Indusind Media and Communications Pvt. Ltd. against EI Zee Television Pvt. Ltd. and four others under Section 10(a) (iv) of the MRTP Act. IT is alleged that the respondents are increasing the prices arbitrarily and indulging in various restrictive and monopolistic trade practices.
The matter is sub-judice before the Commission.