TDSAT asks HT Media, MIB to conclude settlement in ₹1.08 crore refund dispute

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has asked HT Media Ltd and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to conclude ongoing settlement discussions in a dispute that has been pending for nearly nine years.

The matter came up before Justice Ram Krishna Gautam, who recorded that both parties informed the tribunal that settlement efforts were underway. Taking note of the submissions, the bench directed them to conclude the settlement exercise.

The tribunal also directed the respondent to file any written submissions on the next date of hearing and furnish a copy to the petitioner. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 11.

The case pertains to Broadcasting Petition No. 86 of 2017, filed by HT Media, seeking a refund of ₹1.08 crore deposited as advance capital for Common Transmission Infrastructure (CTI) for its FM radio station in Kolkata.

Apart from the refund, HT Media has sought interest at 18% on the amount, along with payment of dues after adjusting amounts already paid and any outstanding liabilities.

The dispute stems from three agreements executed for the Kolkata FM radio station: the Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA), the Project Management Agreement (PMA), and the Consulting & Professional Services Agreement (CPSA).

TDSAT admitted the petition on March 28, 2017, issued notice to the Ministry and directed the respondents to file their replies. The matter subsequently went through pleadings and evidence and has remained pending before the tribunal for several years.

The latest order suggests that both parties are continuing discussions to explore an out-of-court settlement before the tribunal proceeds with adjudicating the matter.