Is DAS III optional in AP, Telangana? HC seeks Govt answer by 31 Jan

Is DAS III optional in AP, Telangana? HC seeks Govt answer by 31 Jan

High-court

MUMBAI: A high court division bench has directed the Centre to respond to a PIL questioning the coercive manner in which the authorities were trying to bring in digital transmission of television programmes. Posting the case to 31 January, the bench has directed Central Government to clarify the issue.

The bench of the Hyderabad High Court of justice Shameem Akther and acting chief justice Ramesh Ranganathan directed the Central Government to respond to the public interest litigation questioning the manner in which the authorities were trying to bring in digital transmission even in small towns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in place of transmission through cable television mode, the Hindu reported.

The bench was hearing a case filed by the Citizens Welfare Society of Hyderabad. The court was told that, though an Act has made digital transmission mandatory, the explanation said it was optional. Meanwhile, the Society argued, citizens were being coerced. Two phases of digital addressable system (DAS) were completed whereby major cities were covered.

The Centre now had started the third phase of DAS covering small towns in the two states (and across India). Government officials, the Society argued, had been threatening that after 1 February, television sets without (digital) set top boxes would not get signals.

Also Read:

DAS petitions challenging constitutional provisions listed for 3 November   

DAS Phase III stay extended in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Govt claims almost 100 percent STB seeding in DAS III areas despite cases     

Telangana state government sets up committees to track the television sector