Broadcast regulator TRAI on Monday asked the government to defer the controversial conditional access system for at least another three months, maintaining that this suggestion does not in any way contravene the high court order on the issue.
"I believe keeping CAS in abeyance till the consultation process is completed is possible within the high court order. We are not contravening it in any way," Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Chairman Pradip Baijal said, adding that Trai has also consulted the Attorney General on legal issues involved before suggesting that CAS be deferred.
Dismissing charges that the suggestion to defer CAS was made under political compulsions and keeping in mind the ensuing general elections, Baijal said: "How can this be a political issue? This is purely an administrative issue. How can I allow a cognizable offence to be committed in each household which watches television every day?"
Baijal said the decision to defer CAS was taken by Trai after detailed study of the regulatory systems prevalent in at least 20 other countries and that the deferment would bring consumers in all the four metros of Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai at par with each other.
Baijal said the information and broadcasting ministry has been informed of the regulator's decision and if accepted, CAS will be deferred in all the four metros till the time Trai reaches a final understanding on the matter.
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