GECs
Cricket: Zee moves Madras High Court
NEW DELHI: Zee Telefilms has moved the Madras High Court challenging the cancellation of its telecast rights bid by the Indian cricket board, which it argues has led to a breach of its fundamental rights under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution.
According to company sources, the hearing is slated for tomorrow.
On 2 February, the Supreme Court ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was not a ‘State as defined under Article 12 of the Indian Constitution and, hence, cannot be sued for alleged violation of fundamental rights.
However, the apex court, while dismissing Zee’s petition, had also suggested that some lower court could take up such cases under Article 226. The three-two split SC ruling is important,as the Indian cricket boards case would have a major impact on the autonomy of various sports bodies in the country and their subsequent functioning.
Zee Telefilms had contended that the BCCI was a’State’ as it was selecting the Indian team and was given de facto recognition by the Indian government to carry out its functions. The petition had requested the apex court to scrutinise the Boards action of cancelling the bid for telecast under writ authority.
Zee Telefilms had originally won the cricket rights by bidding the highest amount of $ 260 million on 5 September, 2004 amongst other competitors that included ESPN Star Sports ($ 230 million), Indian pubcaster Prasar Bharati ($ 150 million), Sony Entertainment TV India ($ 140 million) and Dubai-based Ten Sports ($ 115 million).
Subsequently, as a drama unfolded revolving around the bidding process and various aspects of it, including technical criteria, Zee committed another Rs 940 million for the development of domestic cricket. ESS too, got into the act and upped the ante with a mind-boggling bid figure of $ 308 million, which Zee subsequently matched to be awarded the rights.
Then ESS, apart from legally challenging the award of the telecast rights by BCCI to Zee, later approached the Supreme Court seeking legal redressal against cancellation of the bidding process by the cricket board.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
