HC asks parties to file pleas in CAS implementation case

New Delhi, Dec 11 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today asked the Union Government, Hathway Cables and other parties to file their applications on implementation of the Conditional Access System (CAS) in the metropolis by January 18.

A division bench headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal asked all the parties to file objection, if any, by January 18, the next date of hearing.

In the meanwhile, the Union Government had advertised in national dailies to implement CAS in South Delhi from January 1, 2007.

Counsel Indu Malhotra appearing for Hathway, had submitted that the government did not implement CAS despite quashing of its notification by the division bench.

Senior Counsel Ram Jethmalani, appearing for the petitioner had argued that the company had incurred a huge loss by manufacturing instruments for CAS after the notification for the implementation of the technology in the country.

The government did not introduce the technology and compelled many companies to suffer loss, he pleaded.

''It is extremely important to examine the entire issue, in a holistic manner, in order to safeguard the consumers' interests and facilitate the consumers to make an informed choice. In case, CAS is implemented in the Capital, Mumbai and Kolkata, the problems faced in its implementation are likely to affect the Direct-to-Home (DTH) service,'' Additional Solicitor General(ASG) P P Malhotra had submitted.

Mr Malhotra said the government was trying to protect the interest of the consumers by not implementing CAS technology in the country.

Before amending the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, the Legislature had satisfied itself that CAS was in public interest, said Mr Jethmalani.

UNI PAT SY HT1822