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.
