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Supreme Court dismisses Government’s plea against Sun TV’s Red FM citing no security issue
NEW DELHI: In what has come as a major relief for the Kalanithi Maran owned Sun TV Network, the Supreme Court today (29 January) dismissed the Government’s plea to deny security clearance to its radio channel Red FM.
The apex court in its order said there was no ground for the complaint by the government and there was no evidence of abuse of radio waves by Red FM in the past.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com on the development, Sun Group CFO SL Narayanan said, “We are delighted with this development. This only goes to reinforce our faith in the judiciary.”
Narayanan also informed that the judgment will help Red FM go ahead on its Phase III expansion plans.
Red FM COO Nisha Narayanan added, “We are extremely happy with the decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss the plea of the MIB against the judgment of the Delhi High Court. This just re-affirms our faith in the judicial system and we at Red FM, like any other responsible media house, are totally committed to give our listeners a quality product like we have done in the past decade. Being a market leader, we are all charged up to strengthen brand ‘RED’ and launch Red FM in newer markets and build a strong brand there too.”
Industry sources told this website that the judgment may lead to a rethink about the Home Ministry’s policy relating to denial to radio or television channels on security threat grounds.
It may be recalled that Red FM was initially barred from participating in the Phase III FM auctions after the Home Ministry rejected security clearance to Sun TV Network’s radio channels and denied renewal to its license on the back of ‘security threat’ posed by the Marans.
However, the Delhi and Madras High Courts had passed an order, which allowed Sun TV’s Digital Radio Broadcasting Ltd that runs Red FM, to participate in the auction that was held last year.
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.
