Bombay HC directs TV Today Network to deposit Rs 5 lakh fine in its registry

The Bombay High Court has directed TV Today Network Ltd to deposit with it the Rs 5 lakh fine imposed on it by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) in lieu of protection from possible coercive action.

A division bench of Justice Nitin M Jamdar and Justice Milind N Jadhav was hearing TV Today’s plea against a July 31 BARC order and warning letter imposing the fine on the network and alleging “viewership malpractice” and violation of the Council’s code of conduct.

The channel has petitioned the court to quash and set aside BARC’s order. It has also sought interim protection against any possible coercive action by the BARC against it.