News Headline
BCCI move on cricket tender ‘improper’: Madras HC
NEW DELHI: In what could be termed a moral victory for Zee Telefilms, the Madras high court today ruled that the cancellation of the tender order by the Indian cricket board for telecast rights was “improper.”
The court, while refusing to grant any pecuniary relief to the petitioner, however, said that Zee Telefilms could sue the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for damages.
Disposing off a petition filed by Zee against the Indian cricket board cancelling a tender process for telecasting rights for the period October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2008, Justice KP Sivasubramaniam directed that fresh tender be initiated for telecast rights for matches in the country after the on-going India-Pakistan series, a Press Trust of India report from Chennai stated.
Zee Telefilms had moved the Madras HC a few months back after the Supreme Court dealt it a body blow saying BCCI could not declared a `state’ as per Article 13 and 36 of the Constitution and, hence, could not be sued for damages. Still, the apex court had added the Board’s action could be challenged under other Articles of the Constitution in some lower court.
“I am inclined to conclude that the series of events, which have ultimately ended in the termination of the tender process was unjust, illegal, and was the result of bias against Zee Telefilms. I am even prepared to assume that Dalmiya did not have a good opinion about Zee Telefilms capacity, capable of satisfying the international standards and quality of televising the matches and honestly believe that the petitioner was not up to the expectation,” an agency reported, quoting the judge, stated, which is a clear indictment of BCCI’s former president Jagmohan Dalmiya.
“The conduct of the president of such a big institution should be above board and cannot act in unethical manner resulting in causing loss to the petitioner,” the judge added.
Reacting to this development, Zee Telefilms spokesperson Ashish Kaul said, “The court judgement is a clear reflection of our belief that BCCI was biased against Zee Telefilms. Now, the whole world knows that BCCI is marred with mismanagement.”
On being asked by indiantelevision.com whether Zee would seek damages, Kaul added, “Yes, we can now sue the BCCI for damages and are presently discussing the development with our management and legal advisors”
BCCI could not be contacted for comments till the time of writing this report. Though Zee was officially mum on it, court sources told indiantelevision.com that in its affidavit, the petitioner had sought financial relief of about Rs. 2 billion owing to BCCI canceling the tender process, which had seen Zee Telefilms emerge the highest bidder with a quote of $ 308 million for four years of Indian cricket from 2004.
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.
