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TDSAT reiterates need for agreements to be able to claim payment from MSOs/LCOs even as it allows eight recovery cases
New Delhi: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has allowed nine recovery petitions by MSM Discovery Pvt Ltd amounting to Rs 31,279,060 even as it reiterated the legal position that no dues can be claimed in cases where there is no agreement in place between the distributor/broadcaster or multisystem operator/local cable operator.
But the Tribunal noted that seven of the cases related to a period when three months period was permitted for negotiations.
In seven of the cases, the Tribunal allowed the petitions for recovery of amounts totaling Rs 28,344,942 with interest at eleven per cent from the dates when these became due till the recovery.
The seven are Gurgaon Digital Network Pvt. Ltd, Maruti Charita Cable Network, Jai Maa Kali CableNetwork, Manoranjan Cable Network, Skyline Network, Site Entertainment Pvt Ltd, and Bareilly City Cable Network.
The Tribnnal said the the petitioner had duly proved its case by leading cogent oral and documentary evidences that remain unrebutted. There is, therefore, no reason not to accept itscase in those cases.
Interestingly, all the cases were heard and decided by Chairman Aftab Alam and members Kuldip Singh and B B Srivastava ex parte as no one appeared for any of the ten petitioners.
In the case of Irani Cable Network Pvt Ltd and Rathore Media Network amounting to a total of Rs 2,934,118, the disconnection had taken place before the end of agreement for non-payment of subscription and the Tribunal accepted the evidence given by the witnesses for MSM Discovery.
The Tribunal dismissed the case against Peptech Cable of Chatarpur as it noted that though on thedate of disconnection, the petitioner had dues amounting to Rs.410,130, the dues were nil on thedate of expiry of the agreement as also on the date three months beyond the expiry of theagreement..
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.
