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Delhi HC dismisses FM operators’ petition
NEW DELHI: In what could be taken as a major setback to private FM radio operators, the Delhi high court today dismissed a petition filed by a clutch of private FM radio operators,saying that the courts interference at this stage is unwarranted.
The court also suggested that Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) appears to be the right forum to address such issues.
Hearing the case today Justice Ravinder Bhatt observed,I cannot consider that the view taken by TDSAT will lead to injustice and cause irrevocable prejudice requiring interference of this court at this stage.
The judges observations came after the government had filed in a reply as to what it was doing with recommendations from sector regulator relating to radio broadcasting. The details of the government reply were not available till the time of filing this report.
The direction from Justice Bhatt came on 10 petitions filed by three private radio operators, including Radio Today Broadcasting Ltd (Red FM),seeking a direction to the government to take a decision on telecom regulatory Authority of India recommendations dated 11 August, 2004.
Two other petitioners were Music Broadcast Pvt Ltd (Radio City) and Entertainment India Network India Ltd.(Radio Mirchi).
Last week, the Delhi High Court had asked the central government to clarify by today the timeframe within which it would take a decision on TRAI’s recommendation that private FM Radio broadcasters be shifted from licence fee regime to revenue-sharing regime.
Petitioners had also sought setting aside of a 17 November, 2004, order of TDSAT by which they were ordered to deposit one third of the licence fee for the year within two months.
The petitioners had argued that the government’s inaction on TRAI recommendations was causing huge financial loss to the petitioners. Recently, Radio Mirchi and Radio City had given notices of closure of radio stations at Pune and Lucknow, respectively.
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.
