Supreme Court directs JioStar to Delhi High Court

The India — Supreme Court of India, in a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. K. Mohanan, disposed of a transfer petition filed by Disney Star Pvt Ltd. The broadcaster had sought to transfer its pending petitions from the India — Delhi High Court, where it challenges parts of the India — Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) regulatory framework on television channel pricing. JioStar argued that TRAI's regulations and tariff orders are intrinsically linked, with regulations being delegated legislation (challengeable in high court) and tariff orders being administrative (challengeable before the India — Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal). The broadcaster contended that the current pricing structure unfairly treats commercial establishments like luxury hotels on par with residential households. The Supreme Court advised JioStar to approach the India — Delhi High Court with an application stating it does not wish to amend its petitions, and JioStar agreed to withdraw its transfer petition and move an appropriate application before the high court.