News Headline
Home Cable claims it has issued legal notice to ESPN
Home Cable Network Ltd today said it had issued a legal notice to ESPN Software India Ltd. for releasing on 9 October what it claimed was a defamatory press release against it. It also said it had sent a similar notice to financial daily Business Standard for publishing the press release without cross-checking.
The ESPN release stated Delhi’s district court had on the same day ruled in favour of the sports channel in a case filed by the Delhi-based cable network.
Home Cable today issued a press statement giving its version of events and said “the court case had been amicably settled between the parties before the district court and transmission of the ESPN and Star Sports channels to Home Cable was restored by ESPN Software India Ltd.”
Home Cable contends that despite the settlement before the court, ESPN Software had incorrectly represented to the press that it had won the case.
Home Cable says it had entered into a services contract with ESPN Software for receiving signal of ESPN and Star Sports channels for its viewers. It had been paying regularly an amount of Rs 38,400 towards monthly subscription fee for the ESPN and Star Sports channels. In addition, installments towards the IRD decoders were also being paid regularly to ESPN Software.
On 5 October 2001, ESPN Software, without any notice, demanded Rs 16,000 from Home Cable and threatened that it would disconnect the ESPN and Star Sports channels in case their demand was not met, the statement says. Since the demand of ESPN Software was without prior notice and not in accordance with the terms agreed upon, Home Cable did not pay up, the statement says.
The same evening the ESPN and Star Sports channel feeds were disconnected. Home Cable moved court the next day seeking a permanent injunction against ESPN Software and restoration of the ESPN and Star Sports channel, the statement says .
The court on 6 October issued a notice to ESPN Software and its agent Arjun Enterprises (distributes ESPN and Star Sports in Delhi). Their legal representatives appeared before the court on 8 October. The judge adjourned the matter for filing of written statement, reply and disposal of the application for interim injunction filed by Home Cable to 9 October.
On 9 October a compromise proposal was put forward by ESPN Software which HomeCable, keeping the interest of its valued subscribers, accepted, the statement says. The case was withdrawn after an undertaking given by ESPN Software to restore the ESPN and Star Sports Channel by 2 p.m. on 10 October.
ESPN spokesperson when queried about the notice, reiterated that the dispute was settled only after Home Cable gave an undertaking that henceforce it would not provide unauthorised feeds of ESPN and STAR Sports signals to hotels or similar establishments. Further, Home Cable also agreed to abide by all the terms of the existing contract and settled all outstanding dues in court before the feed was restored, the spokesperson asserted.
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.
