The regulator had last month reprimanded the two cable distributors for shutting off signals, against outstanding dues, and asked them to immediately restore signals and furnish a compliance report within two days.

The distributors did not follow the provisions laid down under last year's (Dec 10) Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection Regulation, which required them to give a month's notice before disconnection as well as notices in two local newspapers/two national dailies or through a scroll on their channel, TRAI said.

While Zee-Turner was asked to restore signals to Kerala-based Asianet Satellite Communications, Set-Discovery was asked to restore signals to Allahabad's Three Star Communication.

"It is a serious issue and we have decided to pursue legal action against the two distributors. Cases will be filed in Kerala and Allahabad respectively for not complying with the regulation," a senior TRAI official said.

He said under the TRAI act, the court was empowered to impose penalties on a company if it was found to be violating TRAI's regulations.

However, both Zee-Turner and Set-Discovery are not taking TRAI's orders.

While the former has rushed to appellate tribunal TDSAT challenging the order, Set-Discovery has approached the Delhi High Court challenging TRAI's authority.