WPP, the world’s largest communications services group, has threatened to file defamation proceedings against New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) for offensive allegations made by the Indian news broadcaster in its lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court.

NDTV has filed the lawsuit alleging gross inaction against manipulation of television ratings in India by TAM Media Research, its parents AC Nielsen Research Services Private Limited and Kantar Market Research Services Private Ltd, and Kantar’s owner WPP, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and on Nasdaq.

NDTV has sought $810 million as compensation for the loss in revenues it has suffered over the years because of manipulated viewership ratings and $580 million in penalty for negligence by Nielsen and Kantar officials.

“In the light of these circumstances, WPP is also giving active consideration to issuing proceedings against NDTV for defamation and has instructed its lawyers accordingly,” WPP said in a statement on Wednesday.

WPP and its operating companies – Kantar and TAM -- are in the process of filing an “immediate application” in the New York court to strike out the law suit, which it has dismissed as “hypothetical”. It said it will also be seeking costs for having to do so.

TAM had so far declined to comment as the matter was in the court.

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