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Zeel must get ‘reasonable time’ to reply to investors plea: NCLAT passes order
New Delhi: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) should be given a “reasonable and sufficient opportunity” time to respond to the investors’ plea filed before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), said the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Thursday.
Zeel had approached the Appellate authority, challenging NCLT’s order which asked the Company to submit its reply to the investors’ demand for calling an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) by Thursday, when its next hearing was scheduled.
The appellate tribunal stated that NCLT had made an “error” by not granting Zeel “reasonable and sufficient time for filing a reply…. This was a complete violation of NCLT Rules and Principles of Natural Justice,” said the two-member bench of the NCLAT and asked NCLT to proceed after hearing both parties. “We are of the opinion that reasonable and sufficient opportunity should be given to the appellants for filing a reply.”
The Appellate Tribunal also mentioned that “Section 98 of the Companies Act does not prescribe any limit and limitation on the learned NCLT to pass order within that time limit.” However, it did not mention the amount of time that should be granted to the media conglomerate.
Meanwhile, NCLT had deferred the hearing of the Zeel-Invesco case to Friday, citing the plea pending before the NCLAT.
Zeel spokesperson said that the company continues to have full faith in the Indian judicial system and will take all the necessary steps that are in the best interests of all its shareholders.
Zeel’s top two investors Invesco Developing Markets Fund and OFI Global China Fund LLC who together hold an 18 per cent stake had sent a requisition notice to Zeel on 11 September to call an EGM and discuss the removal of MD Punit Goenka. When Zeel did not announce the date of the EGM even after two weeks, the investors moved NCLT, citing provisions of the Company Law, according to which the Company is bound to call an EGM within a specific number of days, if the stakeholder demanding it owns more than 10 per cent stake in the Company.
The investors had also sought the removal of long-standing directors and close associates of the Chandra family from the Board. The two independent directors Ashok Kurien and Manish Chokhani have already submitted their resignations.
The investors had also sought the appointment of their own six nominees on the board of Zeel, which included Surendra Singh Sirohi, Naina Krishna Murthy, Rohan Dhamija, Aruna Sharma, Srinivasa Rao Addepalli, Gaurav Mehta as independent directors on the board for a term of up to five consecutive years. The notice was received by Zeel on 12 September, and it informed the stock exchanges on 13 September, adding that the appointments are subject to the approval of the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B).
Last week, Zeel Board refused to conduct the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) citing ‘shareholders interest’, and moved the Bombay high court seeking to declare the requisition notice as “illegal and invalid”.
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.
