PRIME CHENNEL Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal has been preferred against the judgment of the learned Single Judge dated 19.4.1996 passed in Writ petition No. 1319/96. Brief facts which are necessary to dispose of this appeal are recapitulated as under:

(2.) An application for production of serial 'Chandrakanta' based on the novel of late Shri Devki Nandan Khatri was first made to Doordarshan by Shri Kamleshwar a well known short story writer in May, 1984. The serial was proposed to be completed in 13 episodes. Doordarshan's approval was conveyed for production of this serial on 28th March, 1985.

(3.) On the request of Shri Kamleshwar the above serial was transferred in the name of M/s Prime Channel on 13th January, 1987. Again on the request of Shri Kamleshwar, Doordarshan granted permission to exhibit 26 episodes including the original 13 episodes for the serial. Again on the request of the appellant, the Doordarshan vide its letter dated 21st February, 1994 conveyed in principle the decision of the respondents to extend the serial up to 52 episodes. In this letter it was clearly stated that Doordarshan would have the right to terminate the extension after giving four weeks' notice in case :