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Star cannot disconnect HD signals to Hathway till next hearing: TDSAT
MUMBAI: The order for the Hathway versus Star India case puts things in order. The Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal’s (TDSAT) interim order states that as per an earlier order issued, multi system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable & Datacom has provided Star India with the subscriber management system (SMS) report for the period April to June 2014. Till the case is resolved, the Tribunal has carved out an interim financial measure to settle the dispute regarding Star’s entertainment and sports channels.
Just as Star and Hathway had agreed to enter into a RIO deal for its sports channels, the broadcaster moved the TDSAT again claiming that Hathway had not made any payments after expiry of the earlier agreement between the MSO and MediaPro (which was then handling Star channels).
Star had sent out disconnection notices against Hathway for its entertainment channels on grounds of nonpayment of dues. During the hearing, Star’s contended that since the MSO had taken its sports channels on RIO, the same must be followed for its entertainment channels without partiality. ‘Hathway cannot be permitted to indulge in duality and take some of Star’s channels on RIO terms and some other channels on negotiated terms; again Hathway cannot take the same channels in different parts of the country on different terms,’ claimed Star.
Post this, the MSO said that it is willing to take its entertainment and sports channels at a cost per subscriber (CPS) basis of Rs 22 while Star asked for Rs 31. TDSAT as an interim measure has said that taking the mean of the two would be ideal. Therefore, from 1 August, Star will raise invoices on Hathway for monthly subscription fees for both genre channels at Rs 27 CPS basis.
“It will be open to Star to take into account each and every set top box by means of which any Star channel is viewable. Hathway shall put any sports channels of Star in any of its bouquet as it may deem appropriate,” states the TDSAT order.
Meanwhile for the period April to July, TDSAT has given permission to Star to raise invoices for its entertainment channels at the rate of Rs 23 CPS basis in the DAS areas of Mumbai and Delhi, where the agreement ended on 30 April 2014 and DAS areas of Kolkata and DAS II areas where the agreement came to an end on 31 March 2014. For the sports channels, invoices will be raised on RIO basis. The total of this, Rs 26.5 crore has been paid by Hathway on 30 July.
These arrangements have been made for Star’s SD channels. Directions on its HD channels will be made in the next hearing, which is on 11 August and till then the broadcaster has been told not to disconnect its HD signals to Hathway.
In the end, TDSAT makes it clear that this is only an interim arrangement as per current circumstances and will not operate as a precedent for any other case or parties.
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.
