The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) will take a final call on Horizon Satellite’s application for change of name and logo on or before 25 December, according to the submissions made by the Additional Solicitor General in the Telecom Disputes and Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).
Learned ASG appearing on the Ministry’s behalf produced a copy of the letter dated 13.12.2019 addressed to the Managing Director of Horizon Satellite. The said letter has given the broadcaster the opportunity to appear before Ministry along with the written submissions on 18.12.2019 at 11.00 AM to present its views in both the matters which are indicated in the subject.
The tribunal noted that in other words the broadcaster’s application seeking a change of name and logo as well as its reply to the show-cause notice would be considered in light of the submissions made by the broadcaster.
ASG further submitted that a decision on the relevant matters would be taken and communicated to the broadcaster on or before 25th December. The tribunal noted that it would be open for the broadcaster to pursue remedies in accordance with law if not satisfied with the order.
Posting the matter under the same head in January, TDSAT Chairperson Justice Shiva Kirti Singh noted,
“The aforesaid stand of the respondent, for the present, takes care of the anxiety expressed by this Tribunal in the last two orders. It appears that now the respondent shall be taking a final decision in both the matters indicated in the subject of the letter dated 13.12.2019. Hence, those matters need not be considered by this Tribunal today on merits.”
The tribunal had in the previous hearing warned the Ministry that if it was found that there was an attempt to delay the decision for an indeterminate period, then the Ministry would be fined a penalty for the non-compliance of the Tribunal’s order. It remains to be seen now whether the Ministry approves Bloomberg Quint’s license application this month or not.
