In a major development, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has given a nod to Disney Star to go ahead with free streaming of the ICC Cricket World Cup on their OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar.
TDSAT declined interim relief to AIDCF, which had sought an injunction against Disney Star's offering of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 for free on mobile. The TDSAT's decision was based on the determination that, prima facie, over-the-top (OTT) is not covered by the TRAI Act.
Disney Star, which is the official broadcaster of the World Cup 2023 both on digital and TV, had announced that they will stream the tournament for free on mobile devices via their Disney+ Hotstar app.
The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) formally urged TDSAT to step in and direct Star India to cease its provision of complementary live cricket streaming services through Disney+ Hotstar.
The TDSAT had served a notice to Disney Star, regarding the free streaming of cricket matches on Disney+ Hotstar during the recently concluded Asia Cup and the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
The tribunal had asked Disney Star to submit a reply to the allegations and concerns raised by AIDCF by October 3.