#e4mExclusive:  TDSAT expands WAVES OTT case, impleads 64 broadcasters

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on Tuesday came down heavily on the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) for failing to file its response in the ongoing dispute over Prasar Bharati's WAVES OTT platform, warning the broadcasters' body that continued delays would invite penal consequences.

The matter, which was heard by a bench comprising Justice Dhirubhai Naranbhai Patel and Dr. Sanjeev Banzal, has now been listed for further hearing on August 31.

During the proceedings, IBDF sought an additional four weeks to file its reply in the case. The tribunal, however, expressed its displeasure over the repeated delays and cautioned the industry body that it must submit its response within the stipulated timeline or face penalties, according to people aware of the proceedings.

The latest hearing marks a significant development in the legal challenge mounted by the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) against Prasar Bharati's decision to stream linear television channels on its government-backed WAVES OTT platform.

Tribunal brings 64 broadcasters into the proceedings

In a major procedural development, the tribunal has impleaded 64 broadcasters on the request of AIDCF.

The decision follows an application filed by AIDCF, which argued that broadcasters whose channels are being streamed on WAVES are necessary parties to the proceedings since the outcome of the case could directly impact their rights and commercial interests.

The impleaded entities include several of India's leading television networks, such as Zee Media, TV Today Network, ABP Network, Republic Media, Network18, Bennett Coleman & Co., News Nation, NDTV, India TV, TV9 Network, Asianet News Network, B4U Television Network, ITV Network, PTC Network and multiple regional, devotional and news broadcasters, among others.

The tribunal's order effectively ensures that broadcasters whose channels are hosted on WAVES will have an opportunity to place their submissions before any final adjudication.

Dispute centres on legality of linear TV streaming on WAVES

The underlying dispute stems from AIDCF's challenge to Prasar Bharati's decision to onboard and stream linear satellite television channels on the WAVES OTT platform.

According to the cable operators' body, the Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Satellite TV Channels, 2022 permit broadcasters to provide signal reception decoders only to four categories of distribution platforms—multi-system operators (MSOs), cable operators, DTH operators, IPTV operators and HITS operators. 

AIDCF contends that an OTT platform such as WAVES does not fall within any of these prescribed categories and therefore the streaming of linear satellite channels on the platform violates the existing regulatory framework. The federation has also alleged that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting failed to take appropriate action despite the alleged violations.

The impleadment application notes that Prasar Bharati had onboarded multiple linear satellite television channels on WAVES pursuant to a notice issued in November 2025 and argued that these broadcasters are necessary parties for an effective adjudication of the dispute.

IBDF already participating in the proceedings

The case has steadily expanded in scope over the past few months. Earlier, the tribunal had allowed IBDF's intervention application, enabling the broadcasters' association to participate in the proceedings. With individual broadcasters now formally added as respondents, the litigation is expected to witness more detailed submissions from both distribution platform operators and television networks.

The matter assumes significance for India's broadcasting sector as the final outcome could determine the regulatory contours governing the distribution of linear television channels through OTT platforms, a model that has gained prominence with the launch of Prasar Bharati's WAVES platform.

The tribunal is expected to take up the matter again on August 31, by which time IBDF has been directed to place its response on record.