Manmohan Sarin - (1.) Petitioner has filed this writ petition praying that directions be issued to the respondents to telecast the Serial "JEEVAN DARSHAN" at D.D. I. in Prime Time at the earliest. Petitioner claims that the serial is of public importance and interest having educative value and, therefore, these directions are called for. Additionally, petitioner seeks compensation of Rs. 20.00 lacs plus interest at the rate of 18% p.a. and cost of the petition.
(2.) Petitioner had submitted the script of T.V. Serial "JEEVAN DARSHAN" under the new Sponsorship Scheme, in 1993. Respondents notified the petitioner vide. their letter dated 27.8.1993, that as per the random computerized draw of lots for prioritisation of proposals, petitioner's serial had been listed at Priority No. 32, under the Family Serials Category. Petitioner was also informed that there was no scope to consider wait-listed proposals for the prime time slots. Respondent enquired about his willingness to come on the non-prime time slots.
(3.) Learned Counsel Mr. K.C. Mittal, appearing for the petitioner urged that the respondents thereafter maintained complete silence. It was only in August, 1997 that the petitioner was asked to produce a pilot of the serial, for placing it before the Selection Committee of Doordarshan for a final decision, failing which the approval of petitioner's proposal, would be deemed to have lapsed automatically. As per this communication, the pilot of the programme was then to be placed before the Preview Committee and in the event. Committee desired certain modifications, the petitioner was to be advised of the same. The letter also mentions that decision of the Committee in all cases would be final. Petitioner duly submitted the pilot of the programme and was waiting thereafter for clearance for telecasting. Petitioner made several representations and had sought administrative redress also through different functionaries but to no avail. -Finally, vide letter of 22.6.2000, respondent informed the petitioner of the rejection of the serial. The relevant extract is as under : "Because of the large number of pending proposals and limited telecast time, it took some time for us to respond to your proposal and we regret this delay and appreciate your patience. The pilot of your programme has been previewed, but we regret that it has not been found possible to accept it for telecast on DD-1. Hence you are free to explore other avenues.";