New Delhi, June 16 -- A recent Supreme Court ruling allowing both central and state governments to impose separate taxes on direct-to-home and cable TV services has rattled India's broadcast sector, already reeling from shrinking margins and digital disruption.

While the judgment technically applies to the pre-GST (goods and services tax) era, its implications are far-reaching. Broadcasters now face a potential wave of retrospective tax demands, and the verdict may set a precedent for state-level levies on digital streaming, gaming, and other online content platforms-currently outside such frameworks.

Industry insiders warn this could drive up compliance costs, hurt profitability, and accelerate market consolidation.

Read this | Will Z...