The Bombay high court on Friday directed Ten Sports to make available signals to Doordarshan for telecast of all the three test matches and five one-day cricket internationals between India and Pakistan beginning on Saturday.
In an interim order, the direction was given by Chief Justice C K Thakker and justice Sharad Bobade on a petition filed by Consumer Action Network.
"It would be in the interest of justice if we direct that Ten Sports shall make available signals to Doordarshan to telecast all the matches to be played in Pakistan between March 13 and April 14," the judges remarked.
So far as the commercial advertisements are concerned, the judges said Ten Sports can give advertisements through Doordarshan but Doordarshan cannot show its own advertisements.
The judges also directed Doordarshan to carry Ten Sports logo during the telecast of all the cricket matches.
Admitting the petition, the judges said that they would decide at an appropriate stage about the quantum of payment to be made and to whom for the telecast of the matches.
The Consumer Action Network prayed that the court should direct Prasar Bharati, Doordarshan, cable operators, the Union government and other respondents to telecast free-to-air all international sports events in which India is participating.
Additional Solicitor General Sirish Gupte appeared for the Centre.
More from rediff