JioStar moves SC against CCI probe over alleged abuse in Kerala TV market

MUMBAI: Reliance Industries-owned JioStar has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) probe into alleged abuse of dominance and discriminatory pricing in Kerala’s television distribution market. The appeal follows a 3 December 2025 Kerala High Court order refusing to stay the CCI investigation and directing it to be completed within eight weeks. A bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala is scheduled to hear the matter on 27 January.

The case stems from a complaint by Asianet Digital Network, a major cable and TV distributor in Kerala. Asianet alleges that JioStar holds a dominant position in the state, controlling popular Malayalam entertainment channels and exclusive rights to major sporting events, including the IPL and international cricket. Asianet claims JioStar abused this dominance by offering preferential discounts to rival Kerala Communicators Cable Ltd (KCCL) via separate marketing and promotional agreements, while denying similar terms to other distributors. The arrangement allegedly allowed KCCL to offer cheaper packages, attract subscribers, and gain market share, forcing Asianet to pay higher prices for the same content.

Under TRAI rules, broadcasters can offer discounts of up to 35 per cent and must maintain a non-discriminatory pricing regime. Asianet contends that JioStar’s effective discounts to KCCL exceeded 50 per cent, amounting to a sham to route money and confer a cost advantage.

The CCI found a prima facie case in February 2022 and ordered a detailed investigation. JioStar challenged the probe in court on jurisdictional grounds, arguing that disputes over pricing and contractual terms fall under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the 2017 Broadcasting Regulations. The company also accused Asianet of forum shopping by bypassing TRAI.

A single judge of the Kerala High Court upheld the CCI’s order in May 2025, ruling that competition law can coexist with sectoral regulation and that JioStar could raise objections during the inquiry. A division bench dismissed JioStar’s appeal on 3 December 2025, prompting the company to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

JioStar was formed in November 2024 after Reliance merged its media business with Walt Disney Company’s India operations in a deal valued at $8.5 billion, bringing together Viacom18, JioCinema, Star India and Disney+ Hotstar. Reliance holds a 63 per cent controlling stake, with Disney owning 36.84 per cent.

According to JustWatch data for April–June 2025, JioStar’s JioHotstar led India’s subscription video-on-demand market with a 25 per cent share, followed by Amazon Prime Video (23 per cent), Netflix (19 per cent), Apple TV+ (14 per cent), ZEE5 (10 per cent), Sony LIV (5 per cent), with other platforms at 4 per cent. Email queries to Reliance for comment went unanswered.

With its Supreme Court challenge, JioStar is now taking the fight over Kerala’s TV market to the highest court, testing the limits of regulatory oversight and raising questions about dominance in a newly consolidated media landscape.