When I subscribed to a new connection from Tata Sky in Sept. 2014, I was refused a receipt or warranty for the Set Top Box and antenna worth Rs. 2100. When repeated unsuccessful requests for these forced me to complain to the MIB through this platform, a photocopy of a letter to the ministry from Tata Sky’s Delhi office was couriered to me, falsely stating that my grievance had been addressed.

This forced me to lodge another complaint, after which, I got a receipt and a letter from the ministry (No. MOIAB/E/2014/01456). Though the receipt misrepresented facts, I didn’t get the time to complain again. But, fed up with their service, lack of grievance redressal and irritating SMS and messages on my TV screen, I decided to discontinue their services on Dec. 22, 2014. However, until today, they have not refunded the money I paid for the Set Top Box and antenna, in spite of my readiness to return them, making different excuses for their refusal. This is unacceptable, since the STBs and antennae are configured to work with only Tata Sky’s signals.

Besides being an unethical practice, this is stifling competition in India, by forcing customers to pay for their equipment, even when (s)he doesn’t like their service and / or the channels offered for viewing. It is also a gross violation of MRTP (Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices) Act. Why should a customer be forced to buy equipment that can receive the signals of only one service provider? Also, when the govt. is allowing so many pro-consumer facilities in India like portability of insurance policies, mobile numbers etc. from one service provider to another, why don’t they look at these restrictive practices, which cause customers agony?

Also, why does the ministry simply pass details of grievances back to the company concerned, instead of looking at the larger issues involved? Should a government only make promises to people and look at making money from tv broadcasting, in the name of regulating content? Shouldn’t they put in some guidelines and rules for these services, before arrogantly forcing citizens to subscribe to satellite television? Shouldn’t they set up a regualtory body, as in case of TRAI? Though you have refused to look into these issues when I complained twice earllier, you will hopefully do that now, at least. I will also complaining to the Commerce and Consumer Affairs ministries and the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Lastly, I am wondering whether to sue Tata Sky in a consumer protection court making appropriate government departments / ministries a party to the suit. I may even file a PIL before a court of law to try to force the government into looking into the violations of MRTP act.

Regards,
S.Chakraborty
Email Id: schakrabarti@hotmail.