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TDSAT gives Star India option to stop signals to Skynet Digital Services
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Arbitration Tribunal (TDSAT) has given Star India the option to stop its signals to multi-system operator (MSO) Skynet Digital Services, noting that it “cannot shut its eyes and let the MSO further indulge in illegal activities.”
TDSAT chairman Aftab Alam and members Kuldip Singh and B B Srivastava based their order on an audit report by the Broadcast Engineering Consultants (India) Ltd, which had said the MSO was indulging in illegal activities.
The Tribunal said it could not shut its eyes on this aspect when the report had come from an “impeccable” source like BECIL, when Skynet counsel offered to rectify the situation and get a fresh audit done.
However, it gave time to Skynet to file its reply to the report within four weeks and set the case for hearing on 5 August.
BECIL in its report had said Skynet was “re-transmitting TV channels in un-encrypted mode and un-authorisedly supplying its signals to another entity M/s Silverline Entertainment after the supply of signals to it has been stopped by Star.”
Earlier, Skynet had challenged the disconnection notice issued by Star under clause 6.1 of the Digital Addressable System (DAS) regulations. TDSAT had disposed the case on 23 April this year stating that the two sides should execute the agreement for the period 1 April, 2014 to 31 October, 2014 at the rate of Rs 40 per CPS. Star may conduct a technical audit of the petitioner’s system and raise its invoices for the aforesaid period at the indicated rate.
However, Star later filed an application making serious allegations against Skynet, after which the Tribunal on 25 May directed a technical audit by BECIL.
BECIL has said Skynet’s system is not compliant with the statutory regulations. Moreover, the report endorses the allegations made by Star and records highly damaging findings against the petitioner.
The Tribunal noted that in light of these findings by BECIL, Skynet had made itself liable not only to pay damages to Star but also to face criminal proceedings.
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.
