MUMBAI: The following is the statement issued by INCablenet in response to CNBC India's charges:

Indusind Media and Communications Ltd has learnt that a press release has been issued by CNBC Channel in India alleging that INCablenet its cable division has blacked out transmission of CNBC India channel in retaliation to a story put out by CNBC earlier this week.

It is unfortunate that CNBC has linked a news report to an action which is related to a request sent by INCablenet to various channels to sign an undertaking to INCablenet that the channels will comply with the provisions of the Cable Act.

INCablenet at present is expanding its channel capacity in Mumbai and has requested various channels to file such an undertaking.

The allegations about alleged assault on freedom of the press is totally false and obviously is motivated to give a different colour to the whole issue. The allegation is emphatically refuted by IMC. Any action taken by CNBC in any forum will be vigorously defended in interest of justice and fair play.