MUMBAI: Sun TV Network promoter Kalanithi Maran has got a relief from the Supreme Court, which today stayed the trial proceedings against him in a Delhi court.
The Apex court bench comprising Justice JM Panchal and Gyan Sudha Misra stayed the proceedings at the trial court, wherein a cable operator Jak Communications had filed forgery case against Maran and Sun TV, alleging them of raising wrong invoices.
On 12 March, the city court had issued summons to Maran and Sun TV under section 193 and 196 of the IPC for producing false evidence before broadcast tribunal Tdsat (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal). It was challenged in the Delhi High Court. However, the HC declined to stay the proceedings of the lower court on 5 August.
Maran’s counsel, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, said that the cable operator has dragged him into unnecessary litigation as he did not want to pay his dues to Sun TV, PTI reported. The dispute revolving around Rs 26 million had reached the Tdsat, but was settled and the cable operator was to pay Rs 12.2 million and withdraw the criminal complaint.
"(But) after settling the issue, he (cable operator) lodged an FIR. His idea is very simple, just not to pay the balance amount due," said Rohatgi.
