Kerala HC Defers TV Ratings Policy Dispute to July 21

The Kerala High Court has adjourned the contentious hearing over the Centre’s TV Ratings Policy 2026 to July 21 at 3 PM, extending the interim stay on a clause that excludes viewership from Smart TV “landing pages” from Television Rating Points. The matter, which has divided broadcasters, distribution platform operators, and cable unions, remains unresolved, with the tv industry still uncertain about how landing-page traffic will be measured and counted in future ratings cycles.

The dispute centres on a proviso to Clause 5.4.1 of the TV Ratings Policy, which states that viewership arising from landing pages cannot be counted in audience measurement and that landing pages can only be used as a marketing tool. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has defended the provision as a reform to improve credibility and accuracy in TV audience measurement, arguing it was framed after extensive consultations with stakeholders. However, the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) and DEN Networks have challenged the clause, warning that it could significantly impact the revenue and bargaining power of distribution platforms dependent on default channel placements.

The Kerala High Court, in an order dated May 22, interim stayed the implementation of this proviso until further orders, granting relief to cable operators who see landing-page viewership as a crucial monetisation avenue. Multiple subsequent hearings have seen the government and industry bodies present their arguments, but a final determination is still pending.

With the case now postponed to July 21, the TV industry faces continued uncertainty over how audience measurement will evolve, while stakeholders await a ruling that could reshape the commercial dynamics between broadcasters, DPOs, and cable networks in India’s digital television ecosystem.