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Anti-CAS PIL filed in capital, 1st hearing Wednesday
MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Ever since the cable fraternity, armed with a High Court order, got the conditional access back onto the front burner, the question has been when would the counter punch come?
That answer was provided today in the form of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed jointly by two consumer bodies in the Delhi High Court against the moves by the cable fraternity to bring addressability into cable & satellite homes.
The joint petition filed by filed by the Consumer Coordination Council, an umbrella grouping of over 50 consumer groups across the country, and the Consumers’ Online Foundation Forum (set up by a group of lawyers) is up for hearing tomorrow. The respondent in the case is the India government through the information and broadcasting ministry.
The petition seeks the intervention of the court against the introduction CAS “in the present manner as envisaged under the amended Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 (“The Cable TV Act”).”
The PIL claims that the implementation of CAS across 40 million cable and satellite homes will cost consumers in these cities nearly Rs 160 billion with no commensurate benefits.
The PIL charges CAS as being arbitrary and violative of the fundamental right to freedom of speech (what next?) and right against discrimination.
The PIL also states that CAS still fails to address many important issues. Interestingly, two of the charges that have been leveled are that the CAS Act does not address area-specific monopolistic distribution of cable operators and the rights of consumers to decide on the choice of “access device” (set top box).
When contacted by indiantelevision.com, many cable fraternity representatives appeared unaware of the developments and some even went so far as to say that they came to know of it when contacted by indiantelevision.com.
Independent cable operator and head of Home Cable Vikki Choudhry was quite dismissive of the whole thing and said, “It doesn’t make a difference whether a PIL has been filed or not.”
A Hathway Cable and Datacom representative, meanwhile, said, “It has to be seen what is the stand the court takes before commenting.”
Tomorrow could well tell whether this latest PIL around the CAS case serves more than nuisance value.
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.
