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In deference to court, BARC to release suspended channels’ data
MUMBAI: Country’s TV audience ratings agency Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC), in deference to Bombay High Court, has decided to renew audience measurement and release of data of all the three TV news channels it had suspended for four weeks on 24 November, 2016.
However, BARC would continue to pursue the cases in the court.
While one of the suspended channels, India News, had moved the court earlier managing to get interim relief, the case relating to V6 News was taken up by the court on Tuesday.
BARC India CEO Partho Dasgupta stated, “BARC India respects ad-interim order of (the) court, and is following through on implementing the same with respect to its subscriber data with effect from this week. As the matter remains sub-judice, it would not be appropriate to say anything beyond this at the moment.”
Though no official confirmation is available, but BARC India is expected to convey the same to all its subscribers on Wednesday assuring them that the ratings organisation would work towards further streamlining its on-ground processes so as to plug loopholes, if any, and work towards a transparent and more robust data eco-system.
Towards the end of November, BARC India, in an unprecedented move, had informed its subscribers that it was suspending for four weeks the ratings of India News, TV9 Telegu and V6 News owing to suspected mala fide practices. Subsequently, all the three TV channels moved courts within a space of few days with India News leading the way.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Subir Kumar, who represented V6 News in the high court on 13 December, 2016, said that BARC India had partially argued the case on 9 December 2016 and had sought more time from the court. On the next hearing (13 December) BARC told the court that it was withdrawing the suspension of ratings review of V6 News. As a result of this development, BARC India would release data relating to V6 in the normal course for the fourth week (the last week in BARC’s purported suspension), the lawyer added.
Pointing out that his client would appeal in the court seeking release of the ratings review of the previous three weeks by BARC as well, Kumar said that V6 News had also filed an injunction seeking damages of Rs 11 crore (Rs. 110 million) for allegedly “damaging the reputation and goodwill of V6 channel.”
Reacting to the development, V6 News assistant editor Murali Krishna conveyed to Indiantelevision.com a message from V6 News chief editor and CEO Ravi Ankam. The message read: “We believe in highest values of journalism and grown with public support. We always said our ratings are consistent and fair. We approached the court of law for the truth to come out. We believe that BARC was misguided. We hope BARC will correct its system to protect the interests of popular channels like V6 News.”
The Bombay HC on 6 December, 2016 had stayed the suspension of ratings review of India News even as BARC hinted at continuing its crusade. TV9, which too, reportedly, has subsequently got a favourable interim order from the court, could not be reached for an official reaction despite phone calls on Tuesday.
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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.
