 "Delhi HC clears cable digitization hurdles, removes stay on DAS Phase 3")
The Delhi High Court has passed an order over-ruling the orders passed by various other High Courts removing the stay granted for extension of digitization for 9 cases spanning 4 states, in DAS (digital access system) Phase 3.
The DAS Phase 3 implementation deadline of December 31, 2015, had been impacted due to stay orders taken in various High Courts. Then, on the Ministry of Information Broadcasting’s (MIB) recommendation, in April, the Supreme Court had transferred all cases related to extension of DAS Phase 3 deadline filed in various High Courts to the Delhi High Court, thus making it a Designated Court for all related matters.
In the order dated November 3, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva of the Delhi High Court’s single bench, directed all 9 petitioners to run a scroll on their networks about digitization and switch off analogue signals in 3 weeks. He also said that these cases were infructuous as the time sought for extension had already been given and the extension was well passed those dates.
The nine cases for which the order was given are from 4 states, - Karnataka (Riddhi Vision, Victory Digital, Sri Chowdeshwary Cable Network, Yogesh Cable Networks, Amma TV), Kerala (Athulay Infomedia), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (Panchajanya Media), and Uttar Pradesh (Sai Cable TV Network, Sunil Kr Singh).
VD Wadhwa, Executive Director and CEO of SITI Networks Limited mentioned, “This is a very important judgement as the Honourable Delhi High Court has dismissed the 9 cases, thus paving the path for digitization. Not just in DAS Phase 3 areas, this order will also clear the passage for timely implementation of DAS Phase 4 of digitization.”
He added that digitization is very important for not just the consumers, who will get better service and more choice in terms of channel packages, but also for local cable operators, MSO’s and broadcasters. “It will allow for parity in sharing of revenues as per TRAI guidelines. This will also aid in increasing the internet penetration in the country and thus realizing the Digital India dream. I would urge all concerned to immediately comply with the Honorable Court’s orders to seed digital set top boxes and switching off of analogue signals in 3 weeks’ time,” he said.