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Cricket: Madras HC div. bench reprieve to BCCI
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NEW DELHI: The cricket telecast saga keeps meandering as new twists and turns keep getting added. New developments may just give the Indian cricket board some relief as it grapples with various internal issues. |
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The Madras high court today set aside an order of a single judge who held as improper the action of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in canceling the tender to telecast cricket matches to be played in India awarded to ”Zee Telefilms” and indicting former Board president Jagmohan Dalmia for acting in an improper and unfair manner, news reports filed by United News of India and Press Trust of India said from Chennai. A division bench comprising chief justice Markandeya Katju and Justice Ibrahim Khalifullah also set aside the order passed by Justice K P Sivasubramaniam, who had directed the BCCI to call for a fresh tender and also had given the liberty to ”Zee Telefilms” to sue BCCI for damages, the news report stated.  The Bench also allowed appeals filed by the BCCI and Jagmohan Dalmia while dismissing another appeal filed by ”Zee Telefilms”. The division Bench held that records clearly demonstrate that there was no concluded contract between Zee Telefilms Ltd and the BCCI. |
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Taking exception to the single judge’s remarks that the cancellation was vitiated by arbitrariness and unfair action of the BCCI and Dalmia, in particular, the judges held “these remarks against the BCCI and Dalmia are unjustified, uncalled for and unsustainable.” According to the agency reports, the Bench allowed an appeal by the BCCI challenging Justice Sivasubramanian’s order directing it to call for fresh tenders. It also allowed an appeal by Dalmia against the single judge’s remarks against him. However, it dismissed a third appeal by Zee for a direction to the BCCI to allot the contract for telecasting cricket matches to it in the wake of the single judge’s order that the cancellation was improper. Meanwhile, sources in the BCCI told indiatelevision.com that the Board has not yet taken a final view on the telecast rights issue, even as it grapples with matters related to coaches and formulating a comprehensive media policy for cricketers. Last month, two officials of the BCCI had also unveiled a feasibility study for the Board to have a sports channel of its own, projecting low cost of operation and huge profits over the years. This study too hasn’t been discussed by the full BCCI board yet. |
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.
