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Adult film ban on TV: Cable operators seek I&B intervention
MUMBAI: The Cable Operators Federation of India (COFI), the Delhi-based cable TV operators association, has sent a memorandum to I&B minister Priya Ranjan Das Munshi, expressing their inability to follow the recent Bombay High Court order banning adult films on television.
The petition, signed by COFI president Roop Sharma, requests for government intervention to apply for modification of the order and amendment of Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 accordingly.
COFI argues out that, implementation of the High Court’s direction to cable operators to carry only the films which are sanctioned by the C.B.F.C for unrestricted public exhibition may create lot of practical difficulties since cable operators / MSOs have absolutely no control over the programmes / films that are being transmitted by the broadcasters.
“There are about 150 entertainment channels which transmit their programmes on 24X7 basis. Most of these channels as a part of their programs show Movies at different times of the day to cater for their international market in other countries too. In addition there are exclusive Movie Channels which throughout 24 hrs transmit only Movies. None of the Broadcasters give any list of their minute by minute programming to Cable Operators/MSOs. The programme lists that appear in the newspapers are seldom correct and do not give the last moment changes,” points out COFI.
“It is submitted that cable operator can exercise control only on the movies telecast through its local VCR channels from its headend/control room and in case a cable operator is found to have telecasted an “A” rated movie through its VCR channel, then the said cable operator is definitely liable for punitive actions under the provisions of Cable Network Regulation Act,” the memo adds.
In the petition, COFI also stresses on the necessity of implementing CAS at the earliest so that subscribers can be empowered to control the content coming on their television sets. It also requests the ministry to notify the relevant amendment in the Cable Network Regulation Act as has been mentioned in the downlinking guidelines.
Also read:
Impossible to police adult films on TV: cable ops
Bombay High Court bans adult films on TV
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.
