Sen Appointed On Telecom Tribunal

The government yesterday took the first step towards the creation of the Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal by appointing Justice S C Sen, a retired Supreme Court judge, as its first chairman.

Sen's appointment extends for three years, from the date he joins or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. The government, however, is yet to finalise the names of the other two members of the three-member tribunal.

Justice Sen has been with the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum since his retirement from the Supreme Court in December 1997.

The tribunal was set up early this year through an amendment to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) Act, 1997.

The amendment was carried out to demarcate between dispute settlement and regulatory functions of Trai and the tribunal was set up a separate body to settle disputes.

The tribunal will adjudicate disputes between the licensor and licencee and those between service providers.

It will also be responsible for resolving disputes between a service provider and consumers. The tribunal will also hear disputes on the order of Trai.

The amendment has provided for a dispute settlement body to be headed by a retired or serving Supreme Court or high court judge.