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Tag: Bhima Riddhi Digital Services

  • Rohtak Cable DAS III extension case dismissed; eight posted for 7 Dec

    Rohtak Cable DAS III extension case dismissed; eight posted for 7 Dec

    NEW DELHI: While the case by Rohtak Cable Operators’ Association challenging the deadline set for Phase III of digital addressable systems (DAS) was dismissed, the Delhi High Court today directed that it would hear the other cases on 7 December 2016.

    The division bench comprising the chief justice G Rohini and justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal said it would pass orders in some of the matters on that date and would complete hearing in others.

    The division bench is taking cognizance only of cases relating to the DAS Phase III which challenge constitutional provision, while other matters are pending before a single bench.

    The cases that came up yesterday included those by Om Systems of Mumbai, Digiana Projects Pvt. Ltd., Ortel Communications Ltd., Moon I.T. Service Pvt Ltd, Allahabad Cable T.V. Operator Welfare Society, Agile Broadband Private Ltd., Ganpati Digital Network Association, and Sree Devi Digital Systems.

    Earlier, on 26 September 2016, the diision bench of the chief justice G Rohini and justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal held that two matters filed by IndusInd Media & Communication Ltd and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services were challenging the challenge to the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, 1923, as amended by the Maharashtra Entertainment Duty (Amendment and Continuance) Act, 2014 and not the validity of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Digital Addressable Cable Television Systems) Regulations 2012.

    The Central Government counsel said appropriate steps would be taken before the Supreme Court to get these matters re-transferred to the respective high courts and so the cases were adjourned sine die.

    The Supreme Court had, on 1 April, this year accepted the plea of the Central Government that “it would be just and proper for this court to transfer to Delhi High Court all the cases pending in different high courts, many of which had given injunction orders.”

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll. Of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed of by respective courts and three had been withdrawn.

    (The Bombay High Court had earlier this year made a reference to the Kusum Ingots case which had said that, if one high court gives an order, others can give similar orders if similar circumstances exist. indiantelevision.com had reported in January this year that the MIB had told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it had “decided not to press the requirement of having a STB as for now till the decision of the cases which are pending before various other high courts”).

  • Rohtak Cable DAS III extension case dismissed; eight posted for 7 Dec

    Rohtak Cable DAS III extension case dismissed; eight posted for 7 Dec

    NEW DELHI: While the case by Rohtak Cable Operators’ Association challenging the deadline set for Phase III of digital addressable systems (DAS) was dismissed, the Delhi High Court today directed that it would hear the other cases on 7 December 2016.

    The division bench comprising the chief justice G Rohini and justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal said it would pass orders in some of the matters on that date and would complete hearing in others.

    The division bench is taking cognizance only of cases relating to the DAS Phase III which challenge constitutional provision, while other matters are pending before a single bench.

    The cases that came up yesterday included those by Om Systems of Mumbai, Digiana Projects Pvt. Ltd., Ortel Communications Ltd., Moon I.T. Service Pvt Ltd, Allahabad Cable T.V. Operator Welfare Society, Agile Broadband Private Ltd., Ganpati Digital Network Association, and Sree Devi Digital Systems.

    Earlier, on 26 September 2016, the diision bench of the chief justice G Rohini and justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal held that two matters filed by IndusInd Media & Communication Ltd and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services were challenging the challenge to the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, 1923, as amended by the Maharashtra Entertainment Duty (Amendment and Continuance) Act, 2014 and not the validity of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Digital Addressable Cable Television Systems) Regulations 2012.

    The Central Government counsel said appropriate steps would be taken before the Supreme Court to get these matters re-transferred to the respective high courts and so the cases were adjourned sine die.

    The Supreme Court had, on 1 April, this year accepted the plea of the Central Government that “it would be just and proper for this court to transfer to Delhi High Court all the cases pending in different high courts, many of which had given injunction orders.”

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll. Of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed of by respective courts and three had been withdrawn.

    (The Bombay High Court had earlier this year made a reference to the Kusum Ingots case which had said that, if one high court gives an order, others can give similar orders if similar circumstances exist. indiantelevision.com had reported in January this year that the MIB had told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it had “decided not to press the requirement of having a STB as for now till the decision of the cases which are pending before various other high courts”).

  • DAS petitions challenging constitutional provisions listed for 3 November

    DAS petitions challenging constitutional provisions listed for 3 November

    NEW DELHI: With the division bench taking cognisance of several cases relating the digital addressable system (DAS) Phase III which challenge constitutional provisions, the Delhi High Court will hear the DAS cases on 3 November, 2016

    Earlier, the court of Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva had been informed that a large number of the cases transferred had constitutional implications, and therefore he had said that he, as a single bench, was not competent to handle these cases.

    The division bench headed by Chief Justice G Rohini took cognisance of these cases as the single bench of Justice Sachdeva in the last hearing on 5 October 2016 had asked lawyers to segregate cases relating to constitutional provisions.

    Justice Sachdeva had last month issued notice on two more petitions related to Phase III of DAS – filed by Om Systems of Mumbai and Digiana.

    The cases include an application by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation for being impleaded in the case

    The cases that were listed on that day included Rohtak Cable Operators’ Association, Andhra Pradesh MSOs Welfare Federation, Multi System Operators’ Welfare Association, Sai Big Star Welfare Association, Sree Devi Digital Systems, Federation of Telangana MSO, DEN Manoranjan Satellite, Victory Digital, Sri Chowdeshwary Cable Network, Shyam Baba Cable Network, Panchajanya Media, Bharat Digital Cable Network, and Yogesh Cable Networks.

    Earlier, on 26 September 2016, the division bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Ms Sangita Dhingra Sehgal had held that two matters filed by Indusind Media & Communication Ltd and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services were challenging the challenge to the constitutional validity of certain provisions of Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, 1923 as amended by Maharashtra Entertainment Duty (Amendment and Continuance) Act, 2014 and not the validity of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Digital Addressable Cable Television Systems) Regulations 2012.

    The Central Government counsel said appropriate steps would be taken before the Supreme Court to get these matters re-transferred to the respective High Courts and so the cases were adjourned sine die.

    Of the remaining, one by Rajasthan Cable Operators Foundation had been dismissed as no one appeared for the petitioners, and orders reserved in two others including one by Nasik Zilla Cable Operators Association after hearing.

    The Supreme Court had on 1 April this year accepted the plea of the Central Government that ‘it would be just and proper for this Court to transfer to Delhi High Court all cases pending in different High Courts, many of which had given injunction orders.

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by some multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll. Out of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed off by respective courts and 3 cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    (The Bombay High Court had earlier this year made a reference to the Kusum Ingots case which had said that if one high court gives an order, others can give similar orders if similar circumstances exist. indiantelevision.com had reported in January this year that the MIB had told the Punjab and Haryana high court that it had ‘decided not to press the requirement of having a STB as for now till the decision of the cases which are pending before various other high courts’).

  • DAS petitions challenging constitutional provisions listed for 3 November

    DAS petitions challenging constitutional provisions listed for 3 November

    NEW DELHI: With the division bench taking cognisance of several cases relating the digital addressable system (DAS) Phase III which challenge constitutional provisions, the Delhi High Court will hear the DAS cases on 3 November, 2016

    Earlier, the court of Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva had been informed that a large number of the cases transferred had constitutional implications, and therefore he had said that he, as a single bench, was not competent to handle these cases.

    The division bench headed by Chief Justice G Rohini took cognisance of these cases as the single bench of Justice Sachdeva in the last hearing on 5 October 2016 had asked lawyers to segregate cases relating to constitutional provisions.

    Justice Sachdeva had last month issued notice on two more petitions related to Phase III of DAS – filed by Om Systems of Mumbai and Digiana.

    The cases include an application by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation for being impleaded in the case

    The cases that were listed on that day included Rohtak Cable Operators’ Association, Andhra Pradesh MSOs Welfare Federation, Multi System Operators’ Welfare Association, Sai Big Star Welfare Association, Sree Devi Digital Systems, Federation of Telangana MSO, DEN Manoranjan Satellite, Victory Digital, Sri Chowdeshwary Cable Network, Shyam Baba Cable Network, Panchajanya Media, Bharat Digital Cable Network, and Yogesh Cable Networks.

    Earlier, on 26 September 2016, the division bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Ms Sangita Dhingra Sehgal had held that two matters filed by Indusind Media & Communication Ltd and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services were challenging the challenge to the constitutional validity of certain provisions of Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, 1923 as amended by Maharashtra Entertainment Duty (Amendment and Continuance) Act, 2014 and not the validity of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Digital Addressable Cable Television Systems) Regulations 2012.

    The Central Government counsel said appropriate steps would be taken before the Supreme Court to get these matters re-transferred to the respective High Courts and so the cases were adjourned sine die.

    Of the remaining, one by Rajasthan Cable Operators Foundation had been dismissed as no one appeared for the petitioners, and orders reserved in two others including one by Nasik Zilla Cable Operators Association after hearing.

    The Supreme Court had on 1 April this year accepted the plea of the Central Government that ‘it would be just and proper for this Court to transfer to Delhi High Court all cases pending in different High Courts, many of which had given injunction orders.

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by some multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll. Out of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed off by respective courts and 3 cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    (The Bombay High Court had earlier this year made a reference to the Kusum Ingots case which had said that if one high court gives an order, others can give similar orders if similar circumstances exist. indiantelevision.com had reported in January this year that the MIB had told the Punjab and Haryana high court that it had ‘decided not to press the requirement of having a STB as for now till the decision of the cases which are pending before various other high courts’).

  • Two more DAS cases put off to Oct. in Delhi HC

    Two more DAS cases put off to Oct. in Delhi HC

    NEW DELHI: Two more cases related to Phase III of digital addressable systems (DAS) – filed by Om Systems of Mumbai and Digiana – have been moved to be heard on 5 October  2016 by the Delhi High Court.

    Justice Sanjeev Sanchdeva was scheduled to hear these matters on Tuesday but, as
    13 September was a holiday, the two cases were put off to next month and will be heard with other cases slated for that day next month.

    Earlier, on 7 September 2016, the first batch of a large number of cases related to DAS had been put off to 5 October 2016 as the single bench did not assemble after lunch.

    As a result, the application by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) for being impleaded in the case also did not come up for hearing.

    The cases that were listed on 7 September included those filed by Rohtak Cable Operators’ Association, Andhra Pradesh MSOs Welfare Federation, Multi System Operators’ Welfare Association, Sai Big Star Welfare Association, Sree Devi Digital Systems, Federation of Telangana MSO, DEN Manoranjan Satellite, Victory Digital, Sri Chowdeshwary Cable Network, Shyam Baba Cable Network, Panchajanya Media, Bharat Digital Cable Network and Yogesh Cable Networks.

    On 8 September, a notice was issued to the Union of India (Ministry of
    Information) on five petitions relating to the stay orders on Phase III of DAS that came before a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Ms Sangita Dhingra Sehgal who adjourned the matters to 26 September 2016.

    These related to Radiant Digitek Networks Pvt Ltd, Rajasthan Cable Operators Foundation, Nasik Zilla Cable Operator Association, Indusind Media and Communication Ltd, and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services. While the first two are against Union of India, the other three are against the State of Maharashtra.

    The Supreme Court had, on 1 April, 2016, accepted the plea of the Central Government that “it would be just and proper for this Court to withdraw all those cases  pending in  different High Courts and transfer the same to Delhi  High Court.”

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll that was supposed to have ended on 31 December 2015. Out of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed off by respective courts and three cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    Notice issued to Union of India on five DAS Phase III petitions

    Hearing of DAS cases in Delhi HC put off to Oct

     

  • Two more DAS cases put off to Oct. in Delhi HC

    Two more DAS cases put off to Oct. in Delhi HC

    NEW DELHI: Two more cases related to Phase III of digital addressable systems (DAS) – filed by Om Systems of Mumbai and Digiana – have been moved to be heard on 5 October  2016 by the Delhi High Court.

    Justice Sanjeev Sanchdeva was scheduled to hear these matters on Tuesday but, as
    13 September was a holiday, the two cases were put off to next month and will be heard with other cases slated for that day next month.

    Earlier, on 7 September 2016, the first batch of a large number of cases related to DAS had been put off to 5 October 2016 as the single bench did not assemble after lunch.

    As a result, the application by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) for being impleaded in the case also did not come up for hearing.

    The cases that were listed on 7 September included those filed by Rohtak Cable Operators’ Association, Andhra Pradesh MSOs Welfare Federation, Multi System Operators’ Welfare Association, Sai Big Star Welfare Association, Sree Devi Digital Systems, Federation of Telangana MSO, DEN Manoranjan Satellite, Victory Digital, Sri Chowdeshwary Cable Network, Shyam Baba Cable Network, Panchajanya Media, Bharat Digital Cable Network and Yogesh Cable Networks.

    On 8 September, a notice was issued to the Union of India (Ministry of
    Information) on five petitions relating to the stay orders on Phase III of DAS that came before a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Ms Sangita Dhingra Sehgal who adjourned the matters to 26 September 2016.

    These related to Radiant Digitek Networks Pvt Ltd, Rajasthan Cable Operators Foundation, Nasik Zilla Cable Operator Association, Indusind Media and Communication Ltd, and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services. While the first two are against Union of India, the other three are against the State of Maharashtra.

    The Supreme Court had, on 1 April, 2016, accepted the plea of the Central Government that “it would be just and proper for this Court to withdraw all those cases  pending in  different High Courts and transfer the same to Delhi  High Court.”

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll that was supposed to have ended on 31 December 2015. Out of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed off by respective courts and three cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    Notice issued to Union of India on five DAS Phase III petitions

    Hearing of DAS cases in Delhi HC put off to Oct

     

  • Notice issued to Union of India on five DAS Phase III petitions

    Notice issued to Union of India on five DAS Phase III petitions

    NEW DELHI: Notice was issued by the Delhi High Court to the Union of India (Information and Broadcasting Ministry) on five petitions relating to the stay orders on Phase III of Digital Addressable System.

    Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Ms Sangita Dhingra Sehgal heard the petitioners for some time before issuing the notice and adjourning the matters to 26 September 2016.

    The cases that came up today related to petitions by Radiant Digitek Networks Pvt Ltd, Rajasthan Cable Operators Foundation, Nasik Zilla Cable Operator Association, Indusind Media and Communication Ltd, and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services. While the first two are against Union of India, the other three are against the state of Maharashtra.

    Yesterday, the first batch of a large number of cases was adjourned to 5 October. They had been listed before Mr Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, who is also to hear on 13 September another three cases including one by Home Systems Pvt Ltd of Mumbai and another by Digiana Pvt Ltd, which have been transferred to the Court. They could not be heard as the single bench did not assemble after the lunch break.

    As a result, the application by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation for being impleaded in the case also did not come up for hearing. However, it is expected that this may be mentioned on 13 September.

    The cases that were listed yesterday included the Rohtak Cable Operators’ Association, Andhra Pradesh MSOs Welfare Federation, Multi System Operators’ Welfare Association, Sai Big Star Welfare Association, Sree Devi Digital Systems, Federation of Telangana MSO, DEN Manoranjan Satellite, Victory Digital, Sri Chowdeshwary Cable Network, Shyam Baba Cable Network, Panchajanya Media, Bharat Digital Cable Network, and Yogesh Cable Networks.

    The Supreme Court had on 1 April accepted the plea of the Cemtral Government that ‘it wouldbe just and proper for this Court to withdraw all those cases pending in different HighCourts and transfer the same to Delhi High Court.’

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by some multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll. Out of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed off by respective courts and 3 cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    (The Bombay High Court had earlier this year made a reference to the Kusum Ingots case which had said that if one high court gives an order, others can give similar orders if similar circumstances exist. indiantelevision.com had reported in January this year that the MIB had told the Punjab and Haryana high court that it had ‘decided not to press the requirement of having a STB as for now till the decision of the cases which are pending before various other high courts’).

    Also read:

    Hearing of DAS cases in Delhi HC put off to Oct

     

  • Notice issued to Union of India on five DAS Phase III petitions

    Notice issued to Union of India on five DAS Phase III petitions

    NEW DELHI: Notice was issued by the Delhi High Court to the Union of India (Information and Broadcasting Ministry) on five petitions relating to the stay orders on Phase III of Digital Addressable System.

    Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Ms Sangita Dhingra Sehgal heard the petitioners for some time before issuing the notice and adjourning the matters to 26 September 2016.

    The cases that came up today related to petitions by Radiant Digitek Networks Pvt Ltd, Rajasthan Cable Operators Foundation, Nasik Zilla Cable Operator Association, Indusind Media and Communication Ltd, and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services. While the first two are against Union of India, the other three are against the state of Maharashtra.

    Yesterday, the first batch of a large number of cases was adjourned to 5 October. They had been listed before Mr Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, who is also to hear on 13 September another three cases including one by Home Systems Pvt Ltd of Mumbai and another by Digiana Pvt Ltd, which have been transferred to the Court. They could not be heard as the single bench did not assemble after the lunch break.

    As a result, the application by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation for being impleaded in the case also did not come up for hearing. However, it is expected that this may be mentioned on 13 September.

    The cases that were listed yesterday included the Rohtak Cable Operators’ Association, Andhra Pradesh MSOs Welfare Federation, Multi System Operators’ Welfare Association, Sai Big Star Welfare Association, Sree Devi Digital Systems, Federation of Telangana MSO, DEN Manoranjan Satellite, Victory Digital, Sri Chowdeshwary Cable Network, Shyam Baba Cable Network, Panchajanya Media, Bharat Digital Cable Network, and Yogesh Cable Networks.

    The Supreme Court had on 1 April accepted the plea of the Cemtral Government that ‘it wouldbe just and proper for this Court to withdraw all those cases pending in different HighCourts and transfer the same to Delhi High Court.’

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by some multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll. Out of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed off by respective courts and 3 cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    (The Bombay High Court had earlier this year made a reference to the Kusum Ingots case which had said that if one high court gives an order, others can give similar orders if similar circumstances exist. indiantelevision.com had reported in January this year that the MIB had told the Punjab and Haryana high court that it had ‘decided not to press the requirement of having a STB as for now till the decision of the cases which are pending before various other high courts’).

    Also read:

    Hearing of DAS cases in Delhi HC put off to Oct

     

  • All Phase III DAS cases to be heard by Delhi High Court early next month

    All Phase III DAS cases to be heard by Delhi High Court early next month

    NEW DELHI: The Babus in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry would certainly breathe a sigh of relief with Dellhi High Court having fixed the hearing of the large volume of cases relating to the third phase of digital addressable system pending in different High Courts for early next month.

    Although the last Task Force Meeting of 26 July had been informed that the cases would be heard from 13 September 2016, Indian Broadcasting Foundation sources told indiantelevision.com that these have been pre-poned to 7 and 8 September 2016. Notices have already been issued to the Ministry as well as the petitioners in various cases.

    While a bulk of the cases will be heard on the first day by Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, two cases which had been heard by Division Benches in the High Courts – Digiana Systems and Om Network – will be heard on 8 September by a division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangeeta Dhingra. .

    The single-bench cases include those by AP MSOs Welfare Federation, Federation of Telangana MSO, Bhima Riddhi Digital Services, Multi System Operator Welfare Association, Rohtak Cable Operators Association, Sai Big Star Welfare Association, Shyam Baba Cable Network, Bharat Digital Cable Network, Nashik Zilla Cable Operators Association and Yogesh Cable Networks.

    This follows acceptance of a petition by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to the Supreme Court asking it to transfer all linked cases to one High Court to ensure faster justice.

    The Task Force meeting had been informed that a total of 62 cases had been filed in different Courts and 29 cases had been transferred by various courts to Delhi by July-end. There were no such cases in twenty states, the Task Force was told. Of the 62 cases, 12 had been disposed off by respective courts and 3 cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    While the Andhra Pradesh and Telengana High Court had given orders extending the deadline of 31 December 2015 for Phase III, the Bombay High Court had referred to the Kusum Ingots judgment which had said that if similar situation prevails in all states, then the stay can be pan-India. This was because the plea taken in all High Courts was shortage of set top boxes.

    But for the first time, the Ministry had admitted that the Law Ministry had observed that the order passed by the Andhra Pradesh High Court staying Phase III “appears to have all lndia applicability”. For that reason, the I and B Ministry had in fact asked its counsel not to oppose the stay or extension orders in the High Courts.

    indiantelevision.com had reported in January this year that the MIB had told the Punjab and Haryana high court that it had ‘decided not to press the requirement of having a STB as for now till the decision of the cases which are pending before various other high courts’

    However, the Ministry later approached the apex court with a plea for transfer of all similar cases to one High Court and the apex court had asked Delhi to handle these cases and directed notices to be sent to all other High Courts to forward the files to Delhi.

    The I and B Ministry will attempt to get a vacation of stay or extension of deadline in the various courts. The Ministry may also attempt to get orders directing all broadcasters, multi-system operators and local cable operators to transmit or receive signals only on signing of inter-connect agreements as stipulated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

    Meanwhile, Secretary Ajay Mittal in the last Task Force meeting reiterated that it was firm on Phase IV of digital addressable systems for cable television to commence on 31 December this year.

    He cautioned that MSOs and LCOs should desist from transmitting or re-transmitting un-authorized TV channels which are not permitted by the Ministry. He informed that the Ministry has written to all the district collectors/magistrates in this regard to take action under the law against those who are violating the law.

  • All Phase III DAS cases to be heard by Delhi High Court early next month

    All Phase III DAS cases to be heard by Delhi High Court early next month

    NEW DELHI: The Babus in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry would certainly breathe a sigh of relief with Dellhi High Court having fixed the hearing of the large volume of cases relating to the third phase of digital addressable system pending in different High Courts for early next month.

    Although the last Task Force Meeting of 26 July had been informed that the cases would be heard from 13 September 2016, Indian Broadcasting Foundation sources told indiantelevision.com that these have been pre-poned to 7 and 8 September 2016. Notices have already been issued to the Ministry as well as the petitioners in various cases.

    While a bulk of the cases will be heard on the first day by Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, two cases which had been heard by Division Benches in the High Courts – Digiana Systems and Om Network – will be heard on 8 September by a division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangeeta Dhingra. .

    The single-bench cases include those by AP MSOs Welfare Federation, Federation of Telangana MSO, Bhima Riddhi Digital Services, Multi System Operator Welfare Association, Rohtak Cable Operators Association, Sai Big Star Welfare Association, Shyam Baba Cable Network, Bharat Digital Cable Network, Nashik Zilla Cable Operators Association and Yogesh Cable Networks.

    This follows acceptance of a petition by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to the Supreme Court asking it to transfer all linked cases to one High Court to ensure faster justice.

    The Task Force meeting had been informed that a total of 62 cases had been filed in different Courts and 29 cases had been transferred by various courts to Delhi by July-end. There were no such cases in twenty states, the Task Force was told. Of the 62 cases, 12 had been disposed off by respective courts and 3 cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    While the Andhra Pradesh and Telengana High Court had given orders extending the deadline of 31 December 2015 for Phase III, the Bombay High Court had referred to the Kusum Ingots judgment which had said that if similar situation prevails in all states, then the stay can be pan-India. This was because the plea taken in all High Courts was shortage of set top boxes.

    But for the first time, the Ministry had admitted that the Law Ministry had observed that the order passed by the Andhra Pradesh High Court staying Phase III “appears to have all lndia applicability”. For that reason, the I and B Ministry had in fact asked its counsel not to oppose the stay or extension orders in the High Courts.

    indiantelevision.com had reported in January this year that the MIB had told the Punjab and Haryana high court that it had ‘decided not to press the requirement of having a STB as for now till the decision of the cases which are pending before various other high courts’

    However, the Ministry later approached the apex court with a plea for transfer of all similar cases to one High Court and the apex court had asked Delhi to handle these cases and directed notices to be sent to all other High Courts to forward the files to Delhi.

    The I and B Ministry will attempt to get a vacation of stay or extension of deadline in the various courts. The Ministry may also attempt to get orders directing all broadcasters, multi-system operators and local cable operators to transmit or receive signals only on signing of inter-connect agreements as stipulated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

    Meanwhile, Secretary Ajay Mittal in the last Task Force meeting reiterated that it was firm on Phase IV of digital addressable systems for cable television to commence on 31 December this year.

    He cautioned that MSOs and LCOs should desist from transmitting or re-transmitting un-authorized TV channels which are not permitted by the Ministry. He informed that the Ministry has written to all the district collectors/magistrates in this regard to take action under the law against those who are violating the law.