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Tata Sky mulls fresh petition against TRAI tariff rollout
MUMBAI: Indian DTH operator Tata Sky is exploring options of filing a fresh petition in Delhi High Court against a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India directive to implement a new tariff regime from 3 July.
Industry sources indicated that though Tata Sky withdrew its petition filed in the morning, it could again move the court protesting on various grounds the rollout of the TRAI tariff regime.
The Delhi court, which is still to pronounce a verdict in a case relating to tariff and inter-connect orders of the regulator after being moved by Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV over a year back, however, today refused to entertain the DTH operator’s fresh contempt plea against TRAI and said if the petitioner wished it could file a fresh petition.
Tata Sky had pleaded that TRAI media statement, issued 3 July 2018 directing broadcast and cable industry stakeholders to start rolling out the new tariff and inter-connect regimes with immediate effect, amounted to contempt of the Delhi High Court.
TRAI yesterday had said in a statement that its long-pending tariff and inter-connect orders, first issued in 2016, was to be implemented from 3 July 2018 with stakeholders to follow deadlines mentioned in the directive. The regulator had justified its stand by saying all necessary judicial compliances too were followed.
“Having complied with the judicial mandates in the matter, the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Eighth) (Addressable Systems) Tariff Order, 2017 and the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017 as upheld by the Hon’ble Madras High Court and the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017 come into effect from 3rd July 2018,” the TRAI statement had said.
The statement had further stated that “in compliance to the direction” of the Delhi High Court, the regulator had “duly filed an affidavit” on 3 July 2018 in the court on implementation of its tariff and other related orders as they were cleared by another high court.
Meanwhile Star India, also expected to open up another legal front at the Supreme Court on the tariff issue, hasn’t yet made a move.
Still, industry people do admit that though TRAI may have directed implementation of its new tariff regime, but there is lack of clarity on the issue of 15 per cent cap on discounts offered by broadcasters on the prices of TV channels.
While upholding TRAI’s right to give directives on tariff-related matters, Madras High Court had given a thumb down to the capping of discounts offered. While stating that its tariff order was to come into effect from 3 July 2018, the regulator had not clarified whether the discount cap stayed or was done away with.
Keep tuned in for more developments on the tariff issue as it refuses to go away or get settled once and for all.
Also Read:
TRAI says b’cast & cable tariff, inter-connect orders come into effect 3 July
Star files caveat in Supreme Court on TRAI tariff order
Third Madras high court judge gives TRAI tariff order thumbs up
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.
