Full Judgment Text
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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
Special Leave Petition (Civil) Nos. 4572-4573 of 2015
Prasar Bharati … Petitioner(s)
Versus
Board of Control for Cricket in India & Ors. … Respondent(s)
WITH
SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (C) No. 4574-4575 of 2015
O R D E R
We have heard learned counsel for the parties.
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2. It is our considered view that at this stage we ought not to
consider the submissions made on behalf of the parties on the merits
of the controversy as the same may have the effect of prejudicing
either of the parties.
3. We have considered the suggestions put forward on behalf of the
respondents. The first suggestion is with regard to setting up of an
extra/special channel which has been contended by Prasar Bharati to
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be unviable and technically unfeasible within any reasonable period of
time. Though an offer has been made on behalf of respondent No. 4
to make available its expertise and personnel to aid the Prasar
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not merit acceptance.
4. Insofar as the second suggestion i.e. putting up a scroll to the
effect that “the channel displaying the sports event (concerned ICC
World Cup 2015 matches) is meant only for Doordarshan” has received
our consideration. Acceptance of the said suggestion would be
understanding the provisions of Section 3 of the Sports Broadcasting
Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act, 2007 and Section
8 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 in a
particular manner which is not warranted at this stage of the
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proceedings. We, therefore, decline to accept the said second
suggestion advanced on behalf of the respondents.
5. In the aforesaid circumstances, we are of the view that the
interim order passed earlier to the effect that the impugned order
dated 04.02.2015 of the High Court shall remain suspended should
continue until further orders. We order accordingly. However, in view
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of the importance of the matter, we direct that the special leave
petitions be heard at an early date. List on a Tuesday in the month of
July, 2015. The parties may exchange pleadings, if required, in the
meantime.
..........………………………J.
[RANJAN GOGOI]
…..........……………………J.
[PRAFULLA C. PANT]
NEW DELHI,
FEBRUARY 20, 2015.
JUDGMENT
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