Tata Play vs Culver Max: TDSAT to hold final hearing in Feb 2026

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has extended the interim relief in favour of Tata Play, continuing the stay on the execution of the ₹128.42 crore demand raised by Culver Max. 

The tribunal has scheduled the final hearing in the ongoing dispute between the DTH operator and Culver Max (Sony Pictures) for February 2026.

Earlier this year, the tribunal dismissed the plea of Culver Max seeking vacation of the stay saying issues relating to reconciliation of accounts and alleged misstatements would be examined at the stage of final hearing.  

The standoff between the broadcaster and the operator has been playing out since May this year before the TDSAT, when Tata Play dropped several Culver Max channels from its direct-to-home (DTH) packs, citing contractual issues. 

Culver Max had alleged that the move violated the interconnection agreement as well as TRAI regulations, which led to proceedings before the TDSAT.   

In September, TDSAT had directed Culver Max to stop displaying static images or scrolls against Tata Play.

The broadcaster also challenged parts of the Tribunal’s order before the Bombay High Court, particularly the restriction on issuing public statements about Tata Play’s removal of Sony channels from its packs. 

While the court declined to grant interim relief, it allowed Culver Max to post a limited clarification on social media:

“The dispute between Tata Play and Sony is sub-judice and pending before the Hon’ble TDSAT. However, Sony channels are available on Tata Play on a la carte and as part of Sony bouquets. To activate Sony Channels on Tata Play DTH, call Tata Play on 1800 208 6633.”

The dispute began in May 2025, when Tata Play removed 25 Sony channels from 106 of its DTH packs, allegedly without serving advance notice. 

Culver Max termed the move a violation of its contractual rights as well as of TRAI’s interconnection framework. On June 6, 2025, the broadcaster moved a writ petition, calling a prior TDSAT order of May 30 “ultra vires” and an infringement of its constitutional rights, including free trade and speech.