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TDSAT directs BECIL to conduct re-audit of Skynet’s systems in Uttar Pradesh
MUMBAI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has asked BECIL to re-conduct the audit of the head end of Skynet Digital Service Pvt Ltd in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The decision has been taken on the request of Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India Pvt Ltd, who on several grounds has been denying the MSO to cover the whole of the north Indian state. The interim order in this regard, in favour of Skynet, will stand functional till the next hearing that has been scheduled for 11 April 2019.
Skynet had moved TDSAT with the matter last year stating that there was stiff opposition from broadcasters, including Zee Entertainment and Star India Pvt Ltd along with SPN, when it went ahead to extend its area of operation to the whole of Uttar Pradesh.
Responding to the case, BECIL had conducted an audit of the head end of the MSO in January 2018 and then again in August 2018. It was found that Skynet’s system was compliant with the necessary regulations. While the other two broadcasters stood satisfied with the output, SPN was granted the permission to conduct its own audit of the MSO’s systems.
The audit was conducted in February last year and the report was submitted to the MSO in the month of April. Skynet filed its response to the report in July 2018.
However, in the latest hearing SPN highlighted a series of issues in Skynet’s system based on its audit, which the latter stated were not incorporated in the earlier audit report submitted to it. The MSO also alleged that SPN is acting in collusion with Den Networks Ltd, which is its competitor in the state.
SPN stated that though it had entered into an agreement with it as per the interim direction of this tribunal, it is bent upon raising one or the other grievance in the name of audit only to please Den Networks Ltd.
The three major complaints raised by SPN against Skynet are: “Package Alternation Logs not provided from all the three CAS. Historical package channel composition not provided from two of the CAS; On analysing the package-wise channel composition as per the three CAS and SMS, differences were observed in the channel composition of CAS and SMS; On analysing the package-wise channel composition as per the three CAS and SMS, differences were observed in the channel composition of CAS and SMS.”
As per details, three SPN channels namely, Animax, Sony Aath, and Tez were to be found only in SMS but not in CAS. The broadcaster thus had requested the tribunal that either it should be permitted to conduct the further audit or the three major areas of concern highlighted earlier may be referred to BECIL for its scrutiny, analysis, and opinion.
Skynet though refuted all the claims made against it by SPN. It has stated that it has no qualms in BECIL conducting an audit of its systems again.
The tribunal thus noted, “BECIL shall be at liberty to do whatever is required for giving a firm opinion in respect of the three issues noted above and to record its opinion whether the Skynet Digital Service Pvt Ltd’s head-end and system is regulation compliant, particularly, in view of the three allegations noted above. It will be for BECIL to decide what materials are relevant and whether fresh materials are required or not. The cost of this exercise to be done by BECIL shall be met by the respondent (Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt Ltd), broadcaster for the present. It is expected that BECIL shall submit a report within six weeks.”
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.
