TataSky to restore ESPN channels

The court passed its order on a petition filed by ESPN challenging the TataSky’s decision to carry out transmission of these channels out of its base pack. TataSky had discontinued three channels from its base pack from June 1.

TataSky’s counsel Srinivasan contended that the agreement between both the parties came to an end on April 30, which was mutually accepted and it was not obligatory after the termination of the agreement to carry the sports channels on the basic package.

He said that this was not done abruptly and viewers have been informed since May 10 that base package would not be available from June 1. “So, they (ESPN) can’t say that they were not aware of it. TataSky had also written a letter on May 16 to ESPN in this regard,” he added.

The Bench, however, did not buy the argument and observed: “I am not only going to pass contempt notice against you (TataSky) but will also pass status-quo ante order.”

Sensing that the court was on the brink of passing an adverse order, Srinivasan sought time to get instructions from his client (TataSky). Later, Srinivasan assured the court that, “without prejudice and rights of contentions of the party, TataSky will restore to all its subscribers into a pack that includes three channels, ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket, as was prevalent on May 20”.

Reacting to the development, ESPN managing director R C Venkateish said: “We are extremely delighted at this development. This will ensure that millions of sports fans will be able to enjoy quality sporting action, including UEFA Euro 2008 and the oncoming Asia Cup 2008.”