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Supreme Court

TV Broadcasters Likely to Challenge Delhi HC’s Ad Cap Verdict in Supreme Court

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Television broadcasters are preparing to approach the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court upheld the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) power to enforce a limit of 12 minutes of advertisements per clock hour on television channels. The May 29 ruling dismissed petitions filed by broadcasters in 2013 that questioned TRAI’s authority to regulate advertising duration. Industry stakeholders believe the decision could have a significant impact on broadcaster revenues while also widening the scope of the regulator’s influence over television networks. According to sources familiar with the discussions, broadcasters across genres are evaluating legal options and are expected to challenge the verdict before the apex court. Industry representatives argue that strict implementation of the advertising cap comes at a difficult time for the television sector, which is already facing declining pay-TV subscriptions and slower advertising growth. Advertising continues to be a critical revenue source for television broadcasters in India. A Ficci-EY report estimates that the linear television industry generated nearly ₹62,000 crore in 2025, with advertising contributing around ₹26,300 crore and subscription revenues accounting for approximately ₹35,400 crore. Industry estimates indicate that advertising contributes between 50% and 70% of revenue for pay-TV broadcasters, depending on the channel category, while free-to-air channels depend entirely on advertising earnings. As per TRAI data, India had 335 pay channels and 576 free-to-air channels as of December. The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) and the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) were among the key parties involved in the case before the Delhi High Court. Source: Economic Times

TV Broadcasters Likely to Challenge Delhi HC’s Ad Cap Verdict in Supreme Court Read More »

A. R. Rahman Agrees in Supreme Court to Credit Junior Dagar Brothers for ‘Veera Raja Veera’

/ Education Community

Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman on Friday informed the Supreme Court of India that he would formally acknowledge the contribution of the Junior Dagar Brothers in the song Veera Raja Veera from the film Ponniyin Selvan: II. A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi recorded Rahman’s submission and disposed of the plea, describing the individuals involved as “reputed names of the music industry”. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahman, told the court that the composer would update the song credits to read: “Composition inspired by Dagarwani tradition Dhrupad, first recorded as ‘Shiv Stuti’ by late Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar, popularly known as Junior Dagar Brothers.” The matter arose from a plea filed by Dhrupad vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar challenging a September 2025 order of the Delhi High Court. The High Court had observed that there was no prima facie material to establish that the Junior Dagar Brothers — Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar — were the authors of the classical rendition Shiv Stuti. The Supreme Court noted that the revised credit would be reflected across social media and OTT platforms within five weeks. It also directed Rahman to deposit ₹2 crore, as fixed by the High Court, with the Registrar General on an interim basis. Clarifying its position, the Bench stated that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the dispute and that the pending civil suit between the parties would proceed independently, uninfluenced by its observations. Earlier, on February 13, the apex court had suggested that Rahman and the makers of Ponniyin Selvan: II consider acknowledging the Dagarwani Dhrupad tradition’s contribution to the composition. Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, son of Faiyazuddin Dagar and nephew of Zahiruddin Dagar, has claimed copyright over the original works of the Junior Dagar Brothers, including Shiv Stuti, alleging unauthorised use in the film’s song. Source: PTI

A. R. Rahman Agrees in Supreme Court to Credit Junior Dagar Brothers for ‘Veera Raja Veera’ Read More »

Supreme Court clears way for CCI probe into JioStar over alleged abuse in Kerala cable TV market

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to interfere with a Kerala High Court order that permitted the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to continue its investigation into allegations of unfair trade practices in Kerala’s cable television market, dealing a setback to broadcaster JioStar India. JioStar, which holds over 34% share of India’s TV network market, had challenged the high court’s ruling that upheld the CCI’s decision to probe allegations of abuse of dominant position raised by Asianet Digital Network (ADN). The Kerala High Court bench hearing the matter comprised Justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Syam Kumar VM. Before the Supreme Court, JioStar was represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, while the CCI was defended by additional solicitor general N. Venkataraman. Dismissing the plea, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Sandeep Mehta said it found “no good ground” to interfere with the high court’s order after examining the submissions and the record. The case has wider corporate linkages, as Viren and Akshay Raheja—promoter shareholders in Reliance-controlled Hathway Cable—along with their family investment firm, Hathway Investments, also hold stakes in Asianet Satellite Communications, the parent company of ADN. The dispute traces back to February 2022, when the CCI ordered an investigation into Star India, then owned by Walt Disney, following a complaint by ADN. Since then, Star India has merged with Reliance Industries-owned Viacom18 to form JioStar, which is now under Reliance’s control. ADN has accused JioStar of abusing its dominant position and denying market access, allegedly in violation of Sections 4(2)(a)(ii) and 4(2)(c) of the Competition Act, 2002. The complaint centres on alleged “sham” marketing and advertising agreements between Star and Kerala Communicators Cable Limited (KCCL). Under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) New Tariff Order, broadcasters are allowed to offer a maximum discount of 35% on the maximum retail price (MRP) to distributors and must adhere to transparent and non-discriminatory pricing. ADN alleged that Star circumvented these norms by offering KCCL discounts of up to 50% through separate marketing and advertising arrangements. According to ADN, these agreements were purportedly aimed at promoting Star’s flagship Malayalam channel—popularly known as Asianet—which commands more than 60% viewership share in Kerala. However, the advertisements were allegedly aired on a low-visibility ‘Test’ channel with negligible audience reach, raising questions over the genuineness of the promotional activity. ADN claimed that these practices resulted in discriminatory discounts, restricted market access for competitors, and gave KCCL an unfair competitive edge. While upholding a single-judge order dated May 28, 2025, the Kerala High Court had dismissed JioStar’s challenge and directed the CCI to hear all stakeholders before issuing a reasoned order. The court also instructed the regulator to first decide, as a preliminary issue, whether it has jurisdiction in light of the TRAI Regulations, 2017. If necessary, the CCI may pause its proceedings until TRAI examines the matter. The high court directed that the entire exercise be completed within eight weeks from December 3, 2025, while allowing the parties to seek an extension if required. Source: Economic Times

Supreme Court clears way for CCI probe into JioStar over alleged abuse in Kerala cable TV market Read More »

Supreme Court Directs NHRC to Oversee Mental Health Authorities Nationwide

/ Health & Wellness Community

In a significant move to strengthen mental healthcare governance, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 28, 2025) directed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to monitor the functioning of Central and State Mental Health Authorities across India. The decision, issued by a Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha, came in response to a 2018 petition filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, which exposed the inhumane treatment of mentally ill inmates who were found chained in a faith-based asylum in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh. The petition had called for the establishment and independent monitoring of Central and State Mental Health Authorities, along with dedicated funding and mental health review boards, as mandated under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Following the petition, the Union Health Ministry informed the Court through an affidavit that these authorities had been formally notified and were operational. Acknowledging this development, the Bench observed: “Since both the Central and State Mental Health Authorities are now functioning, the NHRC shall oversee the matter, hear the concerned bodies, and issue necessary directions to ensure their effective working.” The Supreme Court further instructed that the petition be treated as a “complaint” by the NHRC and monitored accordingly under existing legal provisions. The NHRC has been empowered to issue appropriate orders to ensure that mental health institutions and review boards function efficiently and uphold human rights standards. This directive marks an important step toward ensuring accountability and systemic reform within India’s mental healthcare framework. Source: The Hindu  

Supreme Court Directs NHRC to Oversee Mental Health Authorities Nationwide Read More »

West Bengal SSC Recruitment Exam Sees Massive Turnout of 3.19 Lakh Candidates

/ Education Community
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West Bengal witnessed a huge response on Sunday as over 3.19 lakh aspirants appeared for the School Level Selection Test (SLST) conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC). The test, meant for the recruitment of assistant teachers for classes 9 and 10, was held across 636 examination centres under tight security arrangements. This marked the first major teacher recruitment drive by the WBSSC since the Supreme Court, earlier in April, cancelled 26,000 appointments made in 2016, declaring the process “tainted and vitiated.” The exam began at 12 pm and continued till 1:30 pm, with an additional 20 minutes provided for specially-abled candidates. To maintain strict vigilance, candidates had to report by 10 am. Barcode scanning of admit cards, frisking at multiple checkpoints, and a ban on all electronic devices were part of the three-tier security plan. Even officials and supervisors were prohibited from carrying mobile phones inside examination halls. Only pens, supplied at the centres, were allowed. In a first-ever transparency initiative, candidates were permitted to take home both the question paper and a carbon copy of their OMR sheets, ensuring greater accountability in the evaluation process. While many first-time test-takers described the paper as “simple,” some felt better preparation could have improved their chances. For many of those whose jobs were cancelled following the SC verdict, the exam carried emotional weight. Several expressed distress at having to reappear after years of teaching, with one 55-year-old former teacher breaking down at the exam gate, lamenting the difficulty of preparing again after seven years in service. Candidates from other states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, also took part in the test. This sparked political sparring — with Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh pointing out that job-seekers from BJP-ruled states had to come to Bengal due to unreliable recruitment processes in their regions. He stressed that Bengal never barred outsiders from applying. Meanwhile, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh countered that mobility across states was normal, while CPI(M)’s Shatarup Ghosh alleged that the ruling party might exploit this for “cut money.” State Education Minister Bratya Basu assured candidates that the administration was working to guarantee fairness, transparency, and safety during the recruitment drive. Metro Railways also extended services on both the Blue and Green lines from 9 am to aid travel for examinees. WBSSC Chairman Siddhartha Majumdar confirmed that another 2.46 lakh aspirants are scheduled to appear for the recruitment test for assistant teachers of classes 11 and 12 on September 14 at 478 centres. Importantly, the commission clarified that 1,806 teachers identified as “tainted” in the 2016 scam were barred from participating. Source: Indian Express  

West Bengal SSC Recruitment Exam Sees Massive Turnout of 3.19 Lakh Candidates Read More »

Supreme Court Directs Bengal Govt to Pay 25% of Outstanding DA to State Employees

/ Governance Community

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has mandated the West Bengal government to release 25% of the pending dearness allowance (DA) dues owed to its employees. The directive, issued by a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta, gives the state three months to comply. The case will be reviewed again in August. This development marks a considerable setback for the Mamata Banerjee-led administration and a moment of triumph for state employees who have long been demanding DA parity with their central government counterparts. Reacting to the verdict, BJP leader Amit Malviya stated on social media that the ruling is a landmark victory following a protracted legal battle and nearly 17 adjournments initiated by the state government to stall the proceedings. The conflict began when a group of state government employees approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking DA benefits equivalent to those provided by the Centre. In May 2022, the high court ruled in favor of the employees, directing the Bengal government to align its DA rates with those of the Centre. However, the state challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court in November 2022. Although the West Bengal government has made marginal increases in DA over time, it has not managed to bridge the 37% gap compared to the Centre. Currently, central government employees receive 55% DA, while their West Bengal counterparts receive only 18%—a figure that includes the latest 4% hike effective from April 1, 2025. The disparity has led to widespread dissatisfaction among state employees. The Supreme Court’s latest order provides partial relief and sets the stage for further developments in the ongoing battle for DA parity. Source: NDTV Photo Credit: NDTV

Supreme Court Directs Bengal Govt to Pay 25% of Outstanding DA to State Employees Read More »

India’s Got Latent Controversy: Govt Urges OTT, Social Media to Follow Regulations

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Amid the controversy surrounding remarks made by YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show India’s Got Latent, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has reiterated the importance of adhering to the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021. According to a Livemint report, the MIB has advised OTT platforms and social media networks to ensure compliance with content regulations, particularly regarding age-based classifications. The ministry emphasized self-regulation and the need for strict adherence to guidelines for content rated “A”, aiming to protect children from exposure to inappropriate material. Government’s Advisory on OTT and Social Media Following public backlash over Allahbadia’s comments regarding parents and sex, the MIB issued an official advisory, marking the second reminder in two months on content regulation. The ministry highlighted concerns raised by Members of Parliament, statutory bodies, and the general public over the alleged spread of obscene and vulgar content on digital platforms. The advisory stated: “OTT platforms must comply with applicable laws and the Code of Ethics under IT Rules, 2021, particularly in maintaining age-based content classification. Self-regulatory bodies of these platforms should proactively take action against violations of the Code of Ethics.” Parliament & Supreme Court’s Response The issue has also reached the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology and Communications, which expressed concerns about the lack of proper regulation of digital content. Lawmakers have called for stricter enforcement of IT laws to prevent the spread of explicit material. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court weighed in on the matter while hearing Allahbadia’s bail plea. With multiple FIRs filed against him across states for obscenity, the top court granted interim protection from arrest but issued strong warnings regarding online content moderation. The Supreme Court observed: Social media influencers must be mindful of their societal impact. Popularity does not grant immunity from accountability. Freedom of speech has limitations and does not justify inappropriate remarks. A bench of judges remarked: “Would anyone find such language acceptable in any setting? He is insulting people, including parents. His mindset, reflected in his words, is deeply troubling.” The court also hinted at government inaction in regulating digital platforms, stating: “If the government does not take action, we will step in. There is a regulatory vacuum that needs to be addressed.” With growing scrutiny, the controversy has reignited debates over freedom of expression, content moderation, and government intervention in digital media.

India’s Got Latent Controversy: Govt Urges OTT, Social Media to Follow Regulations Read More »

Supreme Court Stresses Caution in Media Reporting While Quashing Defamation Case

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Supreme Court of India has emphasized that media professionals, especially those in key positions, must exercise utmost caution and responsibility before publishing any statements, news, or opinions. The court underscored the significant influence of the press in shaping public sentiment while also affirming the paramount nature of the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan made these observations while quashing a defamation case against the editorial director and journalists of the Times of India. The case stemmed from an article questioning the authenticity of paintings auctioned by Bid & Hammer – Fine Art Auctioneers. The top court noted procedural irregularities in the magistrate’s summoning order and ruled that the complainant failed to provide sufficient evidence that the article had harmed its reputation. The complainant had alleged that the publication fostered unjustified suspicion about the authenticity of its auctioned artworks, affecting public perception. Quoting English writer Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s famous phrase, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” the court highlighted the power of media and the necessity for accuracy and fairness in reporting. It noted that while journalism plays a crucial role in public discourse, incorrect or misleading reporting can have far-reaching consequences on the reputation of individuals and institutions. The Supreme Court concluded that remanding the case for further examination of witnesses would serve no useful purpose, as over a decade had passed since the publication, and the auction had already been completed. This verdict reaffirms the delicate balance between press freedom and responsible journalism, ensuring that while media remains a pillar of democracy, it must also uphold principles of fairness and credibility.

Supreme Court Stresses Caution in Media Reporting While Quashing Defamation Case Read More »

Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Plea for Rape Law Awareness in School Curriculum

/ Education Community

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre, seeking its response to a petition calling for increased awareness of rape laws and women’s rights through school curriculums. The petition aims to address the growing incidents of rape in the country by integrating education about sexual equality, women’s rights, and the freedom of girls to live with dignity into school syllabi. A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud heard the petition filed by senior advocate Aabad Harshad Ponda. The petition was motivated by the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Ponda, a criminal lawyer practicing in the Bombay High Court, argued that while states have introduced stricter punishments for rape, including the death penalty and life imprisonment, these measures alone would not solve the problem unless tackled at the grassroots level. Ponda emphasized the need to raise awareness about rape laws, particularly among the uneducated and economically disadvantaged populations. He argued that repeated cases of rape in the country reflect gaps in governance and the effective implementation of existing laws. According to Ponda, there is a pressing need to bridge the communication gap between the creation of laws by the legislature and their proper dissemination to all sections of society. The petition calls for including topics like moral training, sexual equality, and women’s rights as part of the school syllabus to ensure that the youth are aware of rape laws and the consequences of such crimes.Top of Form Source: Hindustan Times  

Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Plea for Rape Law Awareness in School Curriculum Read More »

Students to move Supreme Court after centre cancelled controversial-NEET exam

/ Education Community

Over 50 successful Gujarat-based NEET-UG candidates, including several top rankers, have moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to restrain the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) from cancelling the controversy-ridden exam. They have requested the top court to direct the Union education ministry to investigate and take strict action against students and others who indulged in unfair practices like paper leak and impersonation in the NEET-UG exam conducted on May 5 this year. A fresh plea by 56 students was filed just days before a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is scheduled to hear 26 petitions seeking various reliefs, including a re-test and a probe into the conduct of the exam, which has been plagued by allegations of malpractices. These allegations, including paper leaks, have led to protests in several cities and disputes between rival political parties. The pleas seeking the cancellation of the exam, a re-test, and a high-level probe are listed for hearing on July 8 in the Supreme Court.

Students to move Supreme Court after centre cancelled controversial-NEET exam Read More »