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In a significant move following a copyright dispute between Asian News International (ANI) and several YouTubers, India's public broadcasters and government media agencies have announced free or affordable access to their extensive content archives. This initiative aims to support content creators and foster wider dissemination of verified information.

Agencies including Prasar Bharati, Akashvani (All India Radio), Doordarshan National, and the Press Information Bureau (PIB) are now making their content accessible for use across various social media platforms, including YouTube.

The Press Trust of India (PTI) had previously led the way by offering "affordable access to PTI videos for YouTube content and for use in other social media platforms."

Echoing this sentiment, Akashvani took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that creators can access shorts, explainers, and documentaries in 50 categories and 15 languages, all without charge. Prasar Bharati, in a similar post, highlighted its offering of "Rare visuals, historic clips, and reliable data- all free for creators," a sentiment subsequently reposted by the PIB. Doordarshan National also encouraged creators to "set aside copyright concerns and access" content, emphasizing that Prasar Bharati serves as a "platform for free 24/7 easily accessible news clips, audio materials, written stories and visuals," which are "fully copyright-free and authorised for use."

Prasar Bharati's platform, PBShabd, was highlighted as a "dependable, always-available source of clear, accessible content allowing creators and media organisations to easily share, create and develop content without restrictions or additional costs."

This development comes in the wake of a burgeoning controversy where prominent YouTubers, including Mohak Mangal, accused ANI of misusing YouTube's copyright strike system. Mangal alleged that ANI issued copyright strikes against his channel for using short clips (9 and 11 seconds) from ANI footage related to the Kolkata rape case and 'Operation Sindoor.' His video gained significant traction, prompting other creators like Rajat Pawar to come forward with similar claims. Pawar alleged ANI issued two strikes on his videos and then offered to remove them in exchange for a penalty payment or an annual licensing package worth ₹18 lakh, threatening channel termination if he failed to cooperate.

The dispute escalated to the Delhi High Court, which on Thursday directed Mohak Mangal to remove objectionable portions from his video. ANI had filed a defamation suit, stating that Mangal's video deliberately spread falsehoods to malign its public image.

Read More:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/a-copyright-standoff-threatening-indias-creator-economy-67524.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ANI vs Mohak Mangal: A copyright standoff threatening India's creator economy</a>

Amid ANI controversy, public broadcasters make content free or affordable for creators

The Supreme Court on May 29 issued notice in set of appeals challenging the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal’s (NCLAT) decision allowing insolvency proceedings against embattled edtech giant Byju’s parent company, Think & Learn Pvt Ltd. The apex court sought responses on petitions filed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Byju’s founder Riju Raveendran, who argued against the insolvency trigger, calling it erroneous and damaging to the company’s future.

NCLT had refused to allow BCCI’s withdrawal of an insolvency case against Think & Learn Pvt Ltd (Byju’s parent company) without prior approval of the Committee of Creditors (CoC).

The appeals were listed before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sanjay Kumar, which sought the response of Byju's creditors and its insolvency resolution professional.

It is to be noted that on July 16, 2024, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) admitted BCCI’s insolvency application against Byju’s for unpaid dues of Rs 158.90 crore. Following which, a settlement was reached between BCCI and Byju’s and initially approved by the NCLAT. However, after an appeal was moved by financial creditor Glas Trust, the Supreme Court set aside the NCLAT order on October 23, 2024. The top court directed BCCI to approach the NCLT afresh.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/nclat-orders-nclt-to-decide-on-bcci-byjus-settlement-within-a-week-56025.htm">NCLAT orders NCLT to decide on BCCI-Byju’s settlement within a week</a>


Later on April 17, 2025, NCLAT upheld the NCLT's ruling since the CoC was in existence when the withdrawal application was filed before the NCLT, its approval should have been sought before the withdrawal application was filed before the NCLT.

On 29th January, the NCLT had ordered disciplinary action against Pankaj Srivastava, the Resolution Professional (RP) overseeing Byju’s insolvency proceedings. The tribunal had also overturned Srivastava’s decision to exclude Glas Trust and Aditya Birla Finance from Byju’s CoC, reinstating them instead.

Additionally, the NCLT removed Srivastava as RP and instructed the newly formed CoC to appoint a replacement. It also invalidated all decisions made by the previous CoC.

Byju’s insolvency saga deepens as Supreme Court issues notice on BCCI, Riju Raveendran pleas against NCLAT ruling

Leena Tiwari, the low-profile chairperson of Mumbai-based drugmaker USV, has made a splash in the country's real estate circles with the purchase of two sea-facing duplex apartments in Worli, Mumbai, for an eye-watering Rs 639 crore, as per The Economic Times report. The deal now stands as the most expensive residential property transaction in India.

Spanning a carpet area of 22,572 sq. ft and located across the 32nd to 35th floors of a 40-storey ultra-luxury Naman Xana development tower overlooking the Arabian Sea, the deal clocks in at over Rs 2.83 lakh per sq ft.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/mumbais-worli-property-prices-zoom-30-registers-over-rs-4000-cr-of-ultra-luxury-deals-59135.htm">Mumbai's Worli property prices zoom 30%, registers over Rs 4,000 cr of ultra-luxury deals</a>

Tewari also shelled out Rs 63.9 crore towards stamp duty and GST, taking the total spend to nearly Rs 703 crore.

While medicine brands lik Glycomet, Ecosprin, and Roseday - sold by USV - are household names for diabetes and cardiac patients in India, Tewari herself has stayed away from the limelight. 

Known for her discreet and methodical approach, she rarely courts public attention despite being one of India's richest women. Forbes pegs her net worth at $3.9 billion.

The transaction has stunned property market observers and financial circles alike, not just for its scale but for the sheer surprise of it. 

Tewari, who is said to be a close friend of Nita Ambani, has never been associated with extravagant public purchases until now. Her husband Prashant Tewari, Managing Director at USV, also keeps a similarly low profile.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/virat-kohlis-grand-property-portfolio-inside-the-cricketers-real-estate-empire-65685.htm">Virat Kohli’s grand property portfolio: Inside the cricketer’s real estate empire</a>

USV, a family-run pharmaceutical business, has quietly carved out a formidable position in India’s competitive drug market. The company has steered clear of private equity and IPO routes, maintaining tight ownership and strategic control. In FY24, it reported revenues of Rs 4,840 crore, per data from Tracxn.

USV’s top-performing brand, Glycomet, is the second-largest selling product in the Indian pharma market, clocking Rs 806 crore in sales—just behind GSK’s Augmentin. Ecosprin remains a go-to blood thinner, while Roseday is widely prescribed for cholesterol management.

Still, challenges lie ahead. Glycomet faces growing competition from newer diabetes treatments. USV is eyeing growth in India’s insulin market and is exploring the development of generics for semaglutide, the active ingredient in the global weight-loss blockbusters Ozempic and Wegovy.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/indias-hnis-allocate-32-percent-of-wealth-to-real-estate-8-percent-ultra-hnis-invest-in-crypto-anarock-report-51045.htm">India's HNIs allocate 32 percent of wealth to real estate, 8 percent ultra-HNIs invest in crypto: Anarock report</a>

Leena Tewari: The reclusive pharma billionaire who purchased a Rs 639 crore duplex in Mumbai

Following the escalation of a years-long regulatory standoff, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued licence fee demands amounting to nearly Rs 16,000 crore to major direct-to-home (DTH) operators including Dish TV, Tata Play, and Airtel Digital TV. The companies are challenging the basis and quantum of these claims, arguing the demands are not only excessive but also legally disputable.

As per a report by The Economic Times, Dish TV faces a demand of Rs 6,735 crore, Tata Play has been served a notice for Rs 5,257 crore, and Airtel Digital TV is liable for Rs 3,606 crore. These figures include retrospective dues and interest accumulated over the years for allegedly unpaid licence fees since the launch of their services.

At the core of this dispute lies the calculation of licence fees under DTH service agreements. As per current MIB norms, DTH operators must pay a licence fee equivalent to 8% of their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).

However, operators have long contested what qualifies as "adjusted gross revenue," arguing that the government’s inclusion of non-core revenues and certain exemptions is arbitrary and inconsistent with telecom precedent.

In its recent regulatory filings, Dish TV disclosed in its FY25 financial results that it has been provisioning for the disputed amount, which currently stands at Rs 4,612.69 crore (up from Rs 4,359.43 crore in FY24). The company has maintained that its writ petition challenging the demand remains sub-judice before the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The development, disclosed in the company’s FY25 results, comes at a time when the long-standing dispute over DTH licence fee computation remains unresolved in court.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/ministry-of-ib-demands-rs-6735-crore-from-dish-tv-in-licence-fee-dispute-67877.htm">Ministry of I&B demands Rs 6,735 crore from Dish TV in licence fee dispute</a>

Dish TV India received a fresh notice from the Ministry, directing it to pay Rs 6,735.67 crore towards licence fees, including interest, for the period since the grant of its DTH licence up to the financial year 2023-24. The company has challenged the demand, calling the calculation methodology flawed, and highlighted that the matter is sub judice. The demand was communicated via a letter dated April 22, 2025, and includes significant interest accrued over the years.

"In relation to the ongoing dispute with respect to the validity, computation and payment of DTH License Fees between the Company and MIB, a writ petition filed by the Company is pending before the Hon'ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh wherein inter alia the quantum/ applicability of License Fee and imposition of interest has been challenged by the Company," the DTH operator notified bourses.

The Court had allowed the interim prayer of the Company vide order dated October 13, 2015 which continues to be in force till the pendency of the writ. Similar writs filed by other DTH operators (including the writ petition filed by erstwhile Videocon d2h Limited acquired by the company in 2017-18) are also pending before the Supreme Court of India.

Tata Play, too, is locked in a legal dispute over similar grounds and has previously flagged the ambiguity around AGR definition. Airtel Digital TV is expected to take a similar route, escalating the issue in courts.

Govt slaps Rs 16,000 cr licence fee demand on DTH players; Dish TV, Tata Play, Airtel dig into legal trenches

Veteran advertising executive Sandeep Goyal has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, urging strict enforcement of existing laws designed to protect public health—particularly that of the nation’s youth—from the harmful effects of misleading and surrogate advertisements.

The petition, heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel, prompted the issuance of notices to the Central Government, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Goyal, 62, a Chandigarh resident and Managing Director of Rediffusion Brand Solutions Private Limited, has been a long-standing critic of surrogate advertising. Notably, he has refrained from working with tobacco and alcohol brands since their advertising was officially banned in India. Asserting that he holds no personal or financial stake in the matter, Goyal’s petition calls attention to violations of the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994; the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003; and the CCPA Guidelines on Misleading Advertisements issued in 2022.

The PIL lists glaring examples of ads for products like cardamom, glassware, and brown sugar, which serve as fronts for banned tobacco and alcohol promotions. Goyal claims that these “dummy” products are marketed solely to exploit regulatory loopholes and deceive viewers, particularly minors and young adults.

Argued by advocate Aadil Singh Boparai, the PIL highlights the prevalence of surrogate advertisements for products such as Vimal Elaichi, Rajshree Silver Coated Elaichi, and Pan Bahar—many of which are aired during primetime television, including popular cricket tournaments. These ads often feature high-profile celebrities and, according to the petition, glamorize tobacco-related products under the guise of mouth fresheners and other permissible items.

The petition includes a list of nearly 40 instances between November 2024 and May 2025 where surrogate ads aired across major news and sports channels. It also reveals that top celebrities have lent their faces to such campaigns, further legitimizing and glamorizing harmful substances.

Citing a growing public health crisis, Goyal emphasizes the urgency of regulatory reforms. “The nation risks losing its productive youth to addiction,” he writes, urging the court to direct the establishment of a centralized complaint redressal mechanism under government oversight.

“The country is undergoing a health crisis wherein the youth of the nation is getting addicted to alcohol and tobacco at a tender age,” the petition states. “Advertisements, which use renowned celebrities to promote their products, not only encourage consumption but also validate these harmful habits through their glamorous portrayal.”

Goyal’s petition also criticizes the ineffectiveness of industry self-regulation, including oversight by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), and advocates for more stringent, government-led enforcement.

The PIL seeks the following reliefs as part of its plea. The petitioner seeks a writ of mandamus to enforce the ASCI Code for Self-Regulation in Advertising. He also requests a writ of mandamus to implement the CCPA’s 2022 Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements. Additionally, the petitioner seeks a writ of mandamus to ensure enforcement of the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994. Lastly, the petitioner requests any other directions the court may deem appropriate.

Adman Sandeep Goyal files PIL in Punjab & Haryana HC against surrogate ads

The New York Times (NYT) has inked a content licensing deal with Amazon, marking the first time the storied publication has granted permission for its editorial material to be used in training artificial intelligence models, according to media reports.

The agreement, whose financial details remain undisclosed, allows Amazon to use summaries, excerpts, and even cooking recipes from the NYT across its suite of AI products, including Alexa smart speakers and in-house AI models.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/pti-launches-affordable-video-licensing-for-creators-amidst-anis-aggressive-copyright-crackdown-67465.htm">PTI launches affordable video licensing for creators amidst ANI's copyright crackdown</a>

The move comes as Amazon accelerates efforts to strengthen its AI portfolio, including upgrades to its Alexa Plus assistant and continued investment in Claude, an AI developed by startup Anthropic.

In an internal memo shared Thursday, NYT CEO Meredith Kopit Levien emphasized that the deal reflects the publication's firm stance on the value of journalism in the AI era. She also added that the deal is consistent with their long-held principle that high-quality journalism is worth paying for, the report added.

The licensing move arrives even as The New York Times remains embroiled in a high-profile legal battle with OpenAI and Microsoft, which it sued in 2023 for alleged copyright violations. 

The Times claims that millions of its articles were used without permission to train generative AI models like ChatGPT, and is seeking billions in damages. OpenAI has dismissed the lawsuit as “without merit,” asserting that the Times is not “telling the full story.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/chatgpt-data-stored-outside-india-copyright-act-does-not-apply-in-ani-case-openai-to-delhi-hc-61249.htm">ChatGPT data stored outside India, copyright act does not apply in ANI case: OpenAI to Delhi HC</a>

The broader media landscape is grappling with the growing influence of generative AI models, which are trained on vast corpuses of text, often scraped from the web. Media companies worry that such practices amount to unauthorized use of their intellectual property. 

In recent months, several publishers - including News Corp, Axel Springer, and the Financial Times, have opted for licensing arrangements with OpenAI, though many executives see these deals as interim solutions pending clearer legal frameworks.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/trump-fires-u-s-copyright-chief-after-report-criticizes-ai-training-practices-66172.htm">Trump fires U.S. copyright Chief after report criticizes AI training practices</a>

New York Times licenses content to Amazon for AI training

The public broadcaster has invited applications for the allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish platform for the period June 13, 2025 to March 31, 2026 through the 88th online e-auction process.

The auction is likely to be held from June 6, 2025, according to the pubcasters' latest circular,

The e-auction will be conducted in accordance with e-auction methodology 2025 for allotment of DD Free Dish slots to private TV channels, notified by Prasar Bharati on January 3, 2025.

Only satellite channels permitted and licensed by the Ministry of I&B would be allowed to participate in he e-auction. Only companies holding valid permission from the Ministry of I&B can apply for the participation in e-auction for allocation of DD Free Dish slots. Interntional public broadcasters permitted by Ministry of I&B can also particiapte in the e-auction. 

Categorisation of TV channels in different buckets in accordance with the genres and languages of channels for the allotment period:

Bucket R1 includes all genres of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam that is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e-auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on (ii) at least one registered MSO.

R2 includes all genres of Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Odiya that is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e- auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on at least one registered MSO.

R3 includes all genres of other regional languages, as mentioned in schedule 8 of Indian Constitution (except Hindi & Urdu), not covered under Buckets Rl and R2 and is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e-auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on at least one registered MSO.

G1 includes news and current affairs TV channels and G2 includes all genres of non-news and current affairs TV channels.

According to Prasar Bharati, 75% of content telecast on channel shall be in genre and language as declared by the applicant. 

According to the circular, broadcasters desirous of allotment of slot on DD Free Dish are required to provide unambiguous proof in support of Genre and Language classification of their channel.

"Whenever any violation concerning content and language declared by the channel come to notice, the recording of the content broadcast by the channel shall be reviewed by a duly constituted committee," the circular read.

Prasar Bharati invites applications for vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish via 88th e-auction

Meta has revised its advertising policy to permit Real Money Gaming (RMG) operators in India to advertise on its platforms, a move that has been widely welcomed by the gaming industry. Experts anticipate the policy change could lead to a 30% surge in ad spending by RMG operators, primarily directed toward Meta’s digital platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

Storyboard18 was first to report about Meta's change in policy, allowing Real Money Gaming operators to advertise on Meta platforms including Facebook and Instagram. Meta India's ad revenue climbed 24% to Rs 22,730 crore in FY24 while Google India's ad revenue grew by 11% to Rs 31,221 crore in FY24 from Rs 28,040 crore in 2023. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/exclusive-meta-allows-rmg-advertising-in-india-with-legal-compliance-certificates-67902.htm">Read More: EXCLUSIVE: Meta allows RMG advertising in India with legal compliance certificates</a>

Under the updated guidelines, Meta classifies online gambling and gaming as any product or service where something of monetary value is involved in either entry or prizes. While advertisements in this category remain restricted, they are now permissible with prior written authorization from Meta, provided all applicable legal and regulatory requirements are met.

Meta's policy outlines a comprehensive list of gaming types that require written approval, including betting, lotteries, raffles, casino games, fantasy sports, bingo, poker, skill-based tournaments, and sweepstakes. Games involving monetary rewards—whether cash or digital currency like Bitcoin—also fall within this purview. Even advertisements directing users to landing pages containing promotional content for such games must obtain approval, irrespective of whether the platform allows direct gameplay.

To secure Meta’s approval, advertisers must formally apply and provide evidence that their gaming operations are legally authorized in the jurisdictions they intend to target. They must also adhere to strict targeting parameters, including age-gating content to prevent access by individuals under 18.

Industry stakeholders have largely hailed the development as a progressive step. “This is indeed a great step from Meta,” said Govind Mittal, Chief of Staff at Zupee. “It will help Indian startups and our skill-based games reach wider audiences, creating a level playing field. This change corrects a long-standing market distortion where legitimate, tax-paying Indian companies needed to present court rulings just to advertise."

An RMG operator, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, “This is a major development for the industry. We now hope Google will follow suit. Meta’s policy, especially the requirement to restrict ads to users aged 18 and above, supports the industry’s commitment to safe and responsible gaming.”

Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), also welcomed the policy update. "We welcome Meta’s significant shift in its advertising policy towards greater clarity and compliance for Real Money Gaming (RMG) advertisers. The new framework is a major step forward in aligning global platform policy with India’s regulatory and legal realities. It ensures that only authorized, responsible operators can access Meta’s ad inventory while protecting users especially minors from exposure to unregulated gaming content."

Landers further said, "As the oldest and largest industry body for online skill gaming in India, AIGF has long championed self-regulation and legality in gaming. For nearly a decade, we have run the most exhaustive voluntary skill game certification process in the country, rooted in legal validation and integrity. We are pleased that Meta now recognizes AIGF issued certificates as valid proof for legal and skill-based classification of games."

This milestone reflects the impact of sustained industry platform dialogue and positions India’s legitimate gaming sector for more responsible and structured growth in digital advertising environments. He added. 

AIGF in a memo to all its members stated that going forward, RMG advertisers can submit either a court order confirming the game as one of skill or a certificate from AIGF or other recognized federations to gain advertising approval. “This marks a major step forward in streamlining the ad approval process for RMG operators in India,” the federation added, noting that a more detailed operational process will be released in the coming weeks.

With Meta’s doors now open to RMG advertisements under strict compliance conditions, industry insiders believe this could mark a new era of growth, innovation, and regulation in the Indian gaming landscape.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/meta-plans-physical-retail-expansion-to-push-smart-glasses-and-wearables-67836.htm">Read More: Meta plans physical retail expansion to push smart glasses and wearables</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/meta-appoints-sandhya-devanathan-to-lead-business-across-india-and-southeast-asia-66023.htm">Read More: Meta appoints Sandhya Devanathan to lead business across India and Southeast Asia</a>

Meta’s policy shift could spark 30% surge in RMG ad spending in India

Capital markets regulator has barred actor Arshad Warsi, his wife, and his brother from trading in securities for one year, alleging their involvement in a pump-and-dump scheme that artificially inflated the stock price of a small-cap media company before shares were offloaded to unsuspecting investors.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/breaking-sebi-flags-illegal-opinion-trading-platforms-warns-public-to-stay-away-63788.htm">Read more: SEBI flags 'illegal' opinion trading platforms, warns public to stay away</a>

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a final order in the matter concerning Sadhna Broadcast Ltd., now renamed Crystal Business System Ltd. The agency accused the Warsis of colluding with a network of individuals who orchestrated a coordinated campaign to mislead investors through manipulated online content and structured trading activity.

The regulator also levied monetary penalties of ₹500,000 each on the actor, his wife Maria Goretti, and his brother, Anwar Warsi. SEBI further ordered the trio to collectively disgorge ₹1.05 crore in alleged illicit gains.

According to the order, the scheme involved spreading false and misleading information about Sadhna Broadcast through a series of promotional YouTube videos and paid marketing efforts, designed to create a “false positive narrative” around the stock. These efforts were spearheaded by an individual identified as Manish Mishra, who, SEBI alleged, maintained frequent communication with Arshad Warsi and orchestrated trading patterns to inflate the stock's price.

Chats recovered by SEBI show that Mishra proposed transferring ₹25 lakh each into the bank accounts of the actor and his relatives. Investigators also found that Arshad Warsi admitted to executing trades not only in his own account but also in those of his wife and brother.

In total, SEBI has barred 54 individuals from participating in the securities market for one year and another seven for a period of five years, including Mishra and several alleged co-conspirators. The investigation covered the period between March 8 and November 30, 2022, following a complaint that accused YouTube influencers of promoting the stock with false claims and paid outreach campaigns.

SEBI named five YouTube channels — The Advisor, Midcap Calls, Profit Yatra, Moneywise, and India Bullish — as central to the scheme, citing that they misrepresented Sadhna Broadcast’s financial health and prospects to retail investors. Trading data analyzed during the probe indicated that 45 percent of the total trading volume in SBL’s shares during the period was attributable to structured, coordinated trades among connected entities.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/33-finfluencers-give-stock-tips-2-sebi-registered-63-hide-sponsorships-report-59744.htm">Read more: 33% finfluencers give stock tips, 2% SEBI-registered, 63% hide sponsorships: Report</a>

The investigation also revealed that company insiders, including its promoters, were aware of the scheme and actively participated. SEBI uncovered WhatsApp messages linking Mishra to Subhash Agarwal and other promoters, who allegedly sold shares immediately after the videos went live.

Among the biggest financial beneficiaries of the scheme, SEBI said, were Gaurav Gupta, who netted ₹18.33 crore, and Sadhna Bio Oils Pvt. Ltd, which earned ₹9.41 crore. The regulator has ordered the disgorgement of these gains and imposed penalties of ₹5 crore on Mishra and ₹2 crore each on Gupta and several other named individuals. A penalty of ₹1 crore was imposed on Jatin Manubhai Shah.

One senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was also found to have participated in the manipulation but settled the case through SEBI’s consent mechanism, the regulator said.

The Warsis, in their defense, claimed to be novices in equity markets and said they were misled by Mishra. SEBI, however, rejected their explanation, stating that the evidence suggested active participation and awareness of the trading strategy.

The order marks a significant escalation in SEBI’s efforts to clamp down on stock manipulation in an increasingly influencer-driven trading landscape.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/finfluencers-face-60-decline-in-brand-deal-rates-drop-in-followers-as-sebi-tightens-rules-55496.htm">Read more: Finfluencers face 60% decline in brand deal rates, drop in followers as SEBI tightens rules</a>

Bollywood Actor Arshad Warsi barred from markets in SEBI crackdown on YouTube-fueled stock manipulation

Dish TV India has received a fresh notice from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), directing it to pay Rs 6,735.67 crore towards licence fees, including interest, for the period since the grant of its DTH licence up to the financial year 2023-24. The development, disclosed in the company’s FY25 results, comes at a time when the long-standing dispute over DTH licence fee computation remains unresolved in court.

The company has challenged the demand, calling the calculation methodology flawed, and highlighted that the matter is sub judice. The demand was communicated via a letter dated April 22, 2025, and includes significant interest accrued over the years. 

"In relation to the ongoing dispute with respect to the validity, computation and payment of DTH License Fees between the Company and MIB, a writ petition filed by the Company is pending before the Hon'ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh wherein inter alia the quantum/ applicability of License Fee and imposition of interest has been challenged by the Company," the DTH operator notified.

The Court had allowed the interim prayer of the Company vide order dated October 13, 2015 which continues to be in force till the pendency of the writ. Similar writs filed by other DTH operators (including the writ petition filed by erstwhile Videocon d2h Limited acquired by the company in 2017-18) are also pending before the Supreme Court of India. 


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/dish-tv-posts-rs402-crore-quarterly-loss-as-revenue-falls-15-5-67776.htm">Dish TV posts Rs402 crore quarterly loss as revenue falls 15.5%</a>


"Despite the matter being sub-judice, the Company received a communication dated April 22, 2025 from the MIB, wherein the Company was directed to pay Rs 673,567 lacs towards the license fee since grant of respective DTH Licenses up to financial year 2023-24 (including interest till 31 March 2025)," Dish TV added.

The government, however, has left room for potential revisions, noting that the figure is subject to reconciliation based on the outcome of a CAG audit and multiple pending court cases.

Dish TV’s contention with the MIB over licence fees is not new. Since 2015, the company has been fighting a legal battle in the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, questioning the validity, quantum, and interest calculations of licence fees under DTH regulations. In October 2015, the High Court granted an interim stay in favour of the company — a protection that remains in force.

The dispute revolves around the 8% annual licence fee levied on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) — a definition the company has contested. The matter became more complex after Dish TV merged with Videocon d2h in 2017-18, which had a similar pending case. Other DTH providers also have writs pending before the Supreme Court.

In FY25, Dish TV reported that it had maintained a provision of Rs 4,612.69 crore (up from Rs 4,359.43 crore in FY24) in its books, primarily due to interest charged as a "time value of money" adjustment — underscoring the growing financial burden from the unresolved dispute.

Further complicating matters, Dish TV also faced scrutiny from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). In January 2023, the company received a letter regarding the audit of licence fee payments. Dish TV challenged the scope of this audit and secured a stay from the High Court on March 2, 2023, which continues to hold.

Dish TV, on May 28, reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 487.66 crore. Annual revenue also fell 15 percent year-on-year to Rs 1,593.95 crore for the full fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.

Additionally, it reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 402.19 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, citing impairment charges on intangible assets as a key factor. The company had posted a significantly higher loss of Rs 1,989.69 crore in the same period a year earlier, according to a regulatory filing.

In a statement, Dish TV said it had recorded an impairment charge totaling ₹335.38 crore for the quarter and full fiscal year, related to intangible assets under development, as well as capital and other advances.

Before accounting for exceptional items and taxes, the company reported a loss of Rs 66.81 crore for the quarter.

Revenue from operations fell sharply by 15.55 percent year-over-year to Rs 343.66 crore, down from Rs 406.95 crore in the March 2024 quarter. Total income declined by 15 percent to Rs 350.35 crore.

Subscription revenue, which forms the bulk of the company’s earnings, declined 16.82 percent to Rs 295.9 crore. Total expenses for the quarter stood at Rs 417.16 crore, representing a 2.16 percent decline from the previous year.

The results highlight the ongoing financial strain faced by legacy broadcast providers amid rising competition from digital streaming platforms and evolving consumer habits.

Despite the unresolved fee issue, the MIB granted Dish TV a provisional DTH licence on March 31, 2021, under updated guidelines. In October 2023, the ministry issued a draft DTH Licence Agreement seeking industry feedback; Dish TV responded with suggested changes in November 2023.

Meanwhile, the company has been battling governance issues. Following a prolonged tussle with Yes Bank and JC Flowers ARC over board control, Dish TV currently has only three board members, falling short of SEBI’s minimum requirement of six. It is in the process of inducting new directors.

MEDIA