Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)

March 5, 2022

Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) was established in 2000, by amending the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act, 1997.

About TDSAT

TDSAT was constituted to bring a separate disputes settlement mechanism for the telecom sector, thereby strengthening the regulatory framework of the sector.
It adjudicates disputes and disposes of appeals regarding matters like issues of licenses. All decisions or orders of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) can be challenged through appeals in TDSAT.
The Central Government brought broadcasting and cable services under the purview of the TRAI Act in 2004. Thus, the jurisdiction of TDSAT was extended to these services.
Through Finance Act 2017, the matters that lay before the Cyber Appellate Tribunal and Airport Economic Regulatory Authority Appellate Tribunal were also brought under the jurisdiction of TDSAT.

Appeals of TDSAT orders

The orders of TDSAT can be appealed to the Supreme Court on substantial questions of law, in matters of Telecom, Broadcasting, and Airport tariff matters.
On the other hand, TDSAT’s orders can be appealed before the respective High Court regarding cyber matters.

Composition of TDSAT

Chairperson appointed by the Central government.
- The Chairperson should be or should have been a Judge of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of a High Court.
Two Members appointed by the Central Government.
- A Member should have held the post of Secretary to the Government of India or any equivalent post in the Central Government or the State Government for at least two years or a person who is well versed in the field of technology, telecommunication, industry, commerce, or administration.

Recent update

According to the order of the Ministry of Communications, Cabinet Committee on appointments approved the appointment of Delhi High Court Chief Justice D N Patel as chairperson of the TDSAT for four years.

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