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Cricket: DD moves court against ESS; hearing on 5 April
NEW DELHI: The cricket comedy show continues to roll on. Pubcaster Doordarshan moved the Delhi high court on Saturday, getting the court to restrain ESPN Star Sports from airing cricket-related shows packaged as highlights of the Indo-Pak one-day series.
The court injunction also means that ESPN and Star Sports would not be able to air a much-publicised highlights package of the first one-dayer at Kochi today evening till further hearing in the case.
Confirming the development, ESPN India MD RC Venkateish told Indiantelvision.com, “DD’s last minute moves (on Saturday), which also included amending the terms of usage of cricket clips, has forced us not to air the highlights package of the first one-dayer at least. We’d await a court directive.”
According to Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma, which manages DD, considering the stand that ESS had been taking on cricket, there was “no option left, but to approach the courts.” This case will be now heard on 5 April.
Though Prasar Bharati has not moved the court against other TV channels, which had been liberally using DD-generated cricket footage for their respective programming, including news bulletins, it hopes that the move against ESS would “deter others from undermining its commercial interests.”
Earlier, DD has refused part payment for cricket clips from the likes of ESS as it felt it was a “pre-emptive action.” Asked to clarify the issue, Venkateish admitted something to this effect had happened, but could not add details as the matter was being “handled by (ESS’) Singapore office.”
Last month DD had sent legal notices to 16-odd TV channels, pointing out that using cricket clips, generated by DD, at the rate of Rs 6,000 per minute for full shows was a breach of the terms set for usage of news clips.
After receiving the legal notice, while some channels had apologised and offered payment, others had sought further clarification from DD.
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.
