Balaji .J v. Tamilnadu Cable Tv Corporation

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 04.08.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI and WMP(MD)No.15760 of 2023 J.Balaji ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Tamil Cable TV Corporation, Represented by its Managing Director, Chennai.

2.The District Deputy Manager/ Special Tahsildar, Tamil Nadu Cable TV Corporation, Virudhunagar.

3.Sathiyajith ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a writ of mandamus, directing the respondents 1 and 2 to issue fresh notification for Distributor Licence for Virudhunagar area only after the expiry of Balaji Cable TV licence period (ie) till 11.06.2024 and after following the appropriate procedures on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 30.07.2023.

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For petitioner : Mr.G.Mariappan For Respondent : Ms.Annie Abinaya Nos.1 and 2 Standing Counsel

ORDER

The petitioner with an apprehension that his licence would not be renewed has filed this writ petition for a mandamus to the respondents 1 and 2 to issue fresh notification for distribution licence for Virudhunagar area only after expiry of petitioner's licence.

2.The learned Counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is doing business with TACTV as a Distributor for Digital Signal Distribution and has licence for telecasting Bulk Private Local Channel [BPLC] for several years. Initially he was an LCO and after making deposit, he is continuing with TACTV. The 1st respondent under the pressure from the political persons is intending to transfer the licence of Virudhunagar area from this petitioner to some other persons, who are having political influence. The petitioner further submits that he is having 2/6

licence till 11.06.2024.

3.The learned Standing Counsel appearing for the TACTV submits that the petitioner is a distributor under the Digital Signal Distribution and he is having licence to telecast the BPLC also. The licence for the same has been granted upto the year 2024. Further the digital signal distribution licence expired on 14.07.2023, which has to be renewed. Anybody can apply for licence and therefore, the petitioner's apprehension is baseless. She further submits that the petitioner is still continuing as licencee. However, the application of this petitioner for renewal of Digital Signal Distribution is pending with the 1st respondent.

5.This Court considered the rival submissions made and perused the materials placed on record.

6.The petitioner, who is doing business with the TACTC has filed this writ petition that he was initially an LCO and now is having licence for digital signal distribution. The digital signal distribution licence expired on 3/6

14.07.2023. The petitioner has submitted an application for renewal of licence and the same is under consideration with the 1st respondent. Apart from that the digital signal distribution licence, the petitioner is also having BPLC licence, which is in force till 11.06.2024.

7.Considering that the petitioner is doing business with the TACTV for several years, this writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the 1st respondent to take a decision on the petitioner's application dated 26.07.2023 submitted for renewal as expeditiously as possible. Till such time the petitioner shall not be disturbed for digital signal distribution licence. No costs. Consequently connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

04.08.2023 dsk To 1.The Managing Director, The Tamil Cable TV Corporation, Chennai.

2.The District Deputy Manager/ Special Tahsildar, 4/6

Tamil Nadu Cable TV Corporation, Virudhunagar.

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B.PUGALENDHI, J.

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