MUMBAI: The Zee-Turner distribution platform has appealed to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (Tdsat) demanding that it issue a notice to the Star-India backed multi-system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable and Datacom. Reason: Zee's distribution arm accuses the MSO of having piled up outstandings to the tune of Rs 60 million.

The the petition No. 41 (C) of 2006 filed with Tdsat yesterday states that dues totalling approximately Rs 60 million for the Delhi region have been pending since April 2005.

According to officials at Tdsat, "The notice to Hathway Cable and Datacom had been issued yesterday." Tdsat has given Hathway four week's time to file its reply and the next hearing of the case has been scheduled for 22 March.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, a senior Zee-Turner official confirmed that it has sought guidance from Tdsat on the issue of outstanding dues, which has reportedly refused to pay any heed.

It is worth noting that Hathway did not discontinue distributing the signals of the channels carried on the distribution platform.

When Hathway Cable and Datacom was asked by Indiantelevision.com to respond and sought clarifications to the Tdsat case via an email, sent today, the spokesperson stated, "Tdsat will hear both the parties after six weeks. As the matter is subjudice we will not like to comment anything further."

Tdsat is the only authority, which hears matters of disputes including broadcasters and multi-system operators.