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TDSAT directs TV9 to stop airing defamatory and inflammatory programmes
MUMBAI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has disposed off the case between Associated Broadcasting Companies (ABC) that runs the channel TV9 and multi system operators (MSOs) Hathway Cable and Datacom and Siti Vision Digital Media regarding a show that had been telecast on the channel which had made defamatory remarks against the new Chief Minister (CM) K Chandrashekar Rao of the state.
The programme telecast on 12 June was carried by the MSOs and LCOs in Telangana and according to the tribunal was ‘highly defamatory’ of the CM leading to a serious law and order problem. Therefore, MSOs and LCOs stopped carrying TV9. As the petition filed by ABC involved Constitutional rights and public order, The Union of India through the Information and Broadcasting secretary and Telangana home secretary were directed to be impleaded as respondents in the case.
Although the broadcaster stopped the broadcast of the offending programme and issued a public apology for it, MSOs did not resume transmission and the channel was literally taken off air in Telangana.
The TDSAT had in an earlier order this month directed the MSOs to commence showing the channel. Siti Vision started showing it on 3 September in the evening but had to take it off the very same day as it received threatening calls. ABC went ahead and filed an EA in the tribunal.
On reading the transcript of the programme, TDSAT stated that it found the content ‘extremely defamatory, offensive and inflammatory and the product of a sick mind.’
Counsel for the government, K Parameshwar, informed TDSAT that the I&B Ministry had written a letter to the Telangana chief secretary to ensure that the tribunal’s orders are complied with. The letters of the same had been submitted to it.
A similar case is pending before the Privilege Committee of the Telangana Assembly for which no proceedings have begun either under the Cable Television Networks (regulation) Act 1995 (CTN) section 19 or any other law. However, counsel for Siti Vision and Telangana additional advocate J Rama Chandra Rao pointed out that Rule 5 (A) of the CTN Act (1994) casts an obligation on the MSOs and LCOs to not carry programmes which might be in violation of the programme code and/or the advertisement code prescribed under rules 6 and 7 of the CTN Act.
According to TDSAT, the MSOs have also changed their stance for stopping the broadcast of TV9. While earlier it was fear of public violence, now it is due to non renewal of interconnect agreement that expired on 31 March 2014. To this the counsel for the government stated that this was merely an excuse to not show the channel for fear of public anger. Rao assured TDSAT that the state of Telangana would do all that is required to provide sufficient security to the MSOs and LCOs, as long as the channel does not telecast any defamatory statements against Telangana, its people and the government.
The TDSAT has directed TV9 to strictly abide by the Programme Code and the Advertisement Code from rules 6 and 7 of the Cable Television Networks Rules (1994) and that it won’t make any false or malicious references to the state of Telangana or its people or government or its elected representatives. Subject to this, the MSOs are directed to carry the broadcaster’s channel.
It also clarified that this order would not come in the way of the proceedings in the Telangana Assembly nor would it stand in the way of the authority to take legal action against TV9 under section 19 of the Regulation or any other provision of the law.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
