Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)

News: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has temporarily suspended penalties totaling Rs 141 crore imposed on telecom companies for spam violations.

About Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) 

• TDSAT was established in 2000 by the Government of India under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (TRAI Act)
• Objective: To adjudicate disputes and hear appeals related to telecom, broadcasting, and information technology services in India.
• Composition:
  • Chairperson (must be a former Judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of a High Court).
  • Members (judicial and technical experts).
• Jurisdiction: It handles disputes between:
  • Service providers and consumers
  • Service providers and licensors (Government of India)
  • Service providers and other service providers
• It has authority over:
  • Telecom Sector – Mobile, landline, and broadband services.
  • Broadcasting Sector – Cable TV, DTH, and IPTV services.
  • Information Technology – Cyber disputes related to service providers.
• Powers:
  • It has powers equivalent to a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
  • It can summon witnesses, demand documents, and review orders.
  • Appeals from TDSAT can be filed in the Supreme Court of India.
• Significance:
  • It provides a specialized dispute resolution mechanism for the fast-growing telecom and digital industries.
  • It helps maintain fair competition and protect consumer interests.
  • TDSAT has been actively handling cases regarding 5G rollout, spectrum allocation, and digital broadcasting disputes.