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TDSAT gives Sun Distribution nod to cut Digicable signals in case of non-payment
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Arbitration Tribunal (TDSAT) has given Chennai’s Sun Distribution Services permission to disconnect the signals to Digicable Network (India), Andhra Pradesh if it fails to pay the Rs 26 lakh of monthly installment and monthly licence fee for August within a week.
The order by TDSAT chairman Justice Aftab Alam and members Kuldip Singh and B B Srivastava was given after being informed that Digicable had paid the fee upto July in accordance with an earlier order of the Tribunal.
The amount of Rs 26 lakh comprises the monthly installment of Rs 19 lakh and the monthly license fees of Rs 7 lakh.
However, the Tribunal made it clear that as and when Digicable clears the dues and makes up-to-date payment of monthly installment as well as monthly licence fee in terms of the interim order passed on 6 May, Sun Distribution should resume the supply of its signals to the respondent.
The Tribunal noted that Digicable had made the payments up to July “with great difficulty and after seeking repeated adjournments.”
Digicable had told the Tribunal that it would pay the monthly licence fee by 15 September and instalment by September.
The Tribunal said, “From the conduct of the respondent, as would appear from the previous orders passed in this case, we are satisfied that it does not deserve any further indulgence of the kind” sought by Digicable.
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.
