(a) whether the MRTP Commission received some complaints against the television networks for overcharging subscribers in the garb of pay channels;
(b) if so, the details in this regard; and
(c) the action taken by the Government thereon?
(a) whether the MRTP Commission received some complaints against the television networks for overcharging subscribers in the garb of pay channels;
(b) if so, the details in this regard; and
(c) the action taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF LAW, JUSTICE & COMPANY AFFAIRS AND SHIPPING (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)
(a) to (c) : The MRTP Commission, which is a quasi-judicial body, has reported that it had received the following complaints against television networks alleging adoption of trade practices resulting in manipulation of prices etc. :
(i) RTPE. 02/2001 : This is an application/complaint filed by Shri Nirmal Jain against Indusind Media & 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 Section 10(a)
(i) and 12-A of the Act has been issued to seven respondents namely Indusind Medias & Communication Ltd, News television (India) Ltd, Sony Entertainment Television (India) Ltd, Turner International (India) Pvt. Ltd, Discovery Communications India Ltd, ESPN Software India Ltd & Modi Entertainment Network Ltd. The Matter is sub-judice before the Commission.
(ii) RTPE 3/2001. This is an application/complaint by Noida Network System Pvt. Ltd against Star TV and another under Section 12-A and 10(a)
(i) of the 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 Section 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.
(iii) RTPE 26/2001 This is an application/complaint by Jammu Communications Networks Pvt. Ltd. against Star TV and another under Section 12-A and 10(a)
(i) of the 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 Section 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.
(iv) RTPE 76/1998 This is a complaint by Indusind Media & Communications Pvt. Ltd. against El Zee Television Pvt. Ltd. and four others under Section 10(a)
(iv) of the 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.