A cable operators’ body has approached the Delhi high court challenging an ordinance promulgated in October for achieving complete digitalisation of cable television networks in the country by 2015.
In a petition to a bench of acting Chief Justice A.K. Sikri, the Cable Operators United Front (COUF) has sought the court’s direction, restraining the government from enforcing the Cable TV Networks (Reg) Amendment Ordinance, 2011, promulgated on October 25 after being recommended by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai).
The COUF has termed the ordinance “unconstitutional”, “arbitrary” and “illegal”, contending that it violated the fundamental right of the cable operators to carry out their business and profession. It also claimed that the ordinance had been promulgated in a haste to avoid the scrutiny of the Parliament.
The COUF told the court that huge investment to the tune of `10,000 crores is required for complete digitalisation of the cable TV network, which the cable operators cannot afford to do.
Moreover, there will be financial burden not only on them but also on consumers and TV viewers as well.