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TDSAT directs Ambala MSO to clear arrears of Rs 72 lakh due to MSM Discovery
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Arbitration Tribunal (TDSAT) has allowed a petition by MSM Discovery for recovery of Rs 71.60 lakh from Ambala Communication, Haryana, which is outstanding dues on account of subscription fees.
TDSAT chairman Justice Aftab Alam and member Kuldip Singh decided the matter ex parte as no one appeared on behalf of the Ambala MSO.
The parties had entered into a subscription agreement dated 7 July, 2010 for a period from 1 April, 2010 to 31 December, 2010. It was stated that the agreement would be automatically renewed on the same terms and conditions provided therein for successive years starting from 1 January and ending on 31 December of the following year unless terminated.
The agreement between the parties was on a subscriber base of 3523, for which subscription fees of Rs 5,55,357 exclusive of taxes (Rs 6,12,498 with taxes) was to be paid.
Following a petition by the MSO in January 2012 asking for reconciling the accounts and for directions to MSM not to impose channels which the MSO did not want, TDSAT had said that the ends of justice would be served if the subscriber base was kept at 6000. (It had been contended by MSM during the hearing that the MSO had entered into an agreement with the Star group of channels at a subscriber base of 10,000).
In the present petition filed by MSM last year, it was contented that in accordance with the directions of the Tribunal, it had raised invoices on the respondent at a reduced monthly subscription fees of Rs 3,72,599 exclusive of taxes (Rs 4,18,652 with taxes) but the MSO continuously defaulted in paying the due subscription fees despite numerous reminders and requests from the petitioner.
Ultimately, MSM served a notice dated 13 March, 2013 and finally deactivated the signals of the MSO on 17 May, 2013.
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.
