REGISTERED NO. DL-33004/96 The Gazette of India EXTRAORDINARY PART II—Section 1 PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 18] NEW DELHI, SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 1996 / MAGHA 7,1917 Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation. MINISTRY OF LAW, JUSTICE AND COMPANY AFFAIRS (Legislative Department) New Delhi, the 27th January, l996IMagha 7, 1917 (Saka) THE TELECOM REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF INDIA ORDINANCE, 1996 No. 10 OF 1996 Promulgated by the President in the Forty-seventh Year of the Republic of India. An Ordinance to provide for the establishment of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to regulate the telecommunication services, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. WHEREAS Parliament is not in session and the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action; Now, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of article 123 of the Constitution, the President is pleased to promulgate the following Ordinance:— CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY 1. (i) This Ordinance may be called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Short title, Ordinance, 1996. extent and com- (2) It extends to the whole of India. mencement. (3) It shall come into force at once. 2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [ PART II— Definitions. 2. (1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires,— (a) "appointed day" means the day with effect from which the Authority is established under sub-section (1) of section 3; (b) "Authority" means the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India established under sub-section (1) of section 3; (c) "Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the Authority appointed under sub- section (3) of section 3; (d) "Fund" means the Fund constituted under sub-section (1) of section 22; (e) "member" means a member of the Authority appointed under sub-section (3) of section 3 and includes the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson; (f) "notification" means a notification published in the Official Gazette; (g) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Ordinance; (h) "regulations" means regulations made by the Authority under this Ordinance; (i) "telecommunication service" means service of any description (including electronic mail, voice mail, data services, audio tex services, video tex services, radio paging and cellular mobile telephone services) which is made available to users by means of any transmission or reception of signs, signals, writing, images and sounds or intelligence of any nature, by wire, radio, visual or other electro-magnetic means. (2) Words and expressions used and not defined in this Ordinance but defined in the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 or the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, shall have 13 of 1885 the meanings respectively assigned to them in those Acts. 17 of 1933. (3) Any reference in this Ordinance to a law which is not in force in the State of Jammu and Kashmir shall in relation to that State be construed as a reference to the corresponding law, if any, in that Slate. CHAPTER II TELECOM REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF INDIA Establish- 3. (1) With effect from such date as the Central Government may, by notification, ment and appoint, there shall be established, for the purposes of this Ordinance, an Authority to incorpo- be called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. ration of the (2) The Authority shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having perpetual Authority. succession and a common seal, with power, subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract, and shall, by the said name, sue or be sued. (3) The Authority shall consist of a Chairperson, and not less than two, but not exceeding four members, to be appointed by the Central Government. SEC. 1 ] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 3 (4) The head office of the Authority shall be at New Delhi. 4. (1) The Chairperson shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Qualifi- Court or who is or has been the Chief Justice of a High Court. cations for appointment of Chair- (2) A member shall be a person who has held the post of Secretary or Additional person and Secretary, or the posts of Additional Secretary and Secretary to the Government of India other or any equivalent post in the Central Government or the State Government for a period members. of three years. 5. (7) Before appointing any person as the Chairperson or member, the Central Term of Government shall satisfy itself that the person does not have any such financial or other office, interest as is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as such member. conditions of service, etc., (2) The Chairperson shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which of Chair- he enters upon his office. person and other members. (3) A member shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of sixty-two years, whichever is earlier. (4) The employee of the Government on his selection as member Shall have to retire from service before joining as member. (5) The salary, allowances and other conditions of service of the Chairperson shall b e- ta) if he has been a Judge of the Supreme Court, the same as that of a Judge of the Supreme Court; (b) if he has been the Chief Justice of a High Court, the same as that of the Chief Justice of the High Court: Provided that in the case of an appointment of a person as a Chairperson who has retired as a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court and who is in receipt of or has received or has become entitled to receive any retirement benefits by way of pension, gratuity or other forms of retirement benefits, the pay of such person shall be reduced by the gross amount of pension and pension equivalent of gratuity or any other form of retirement benefits, if any, drawn or to be drawn by him. (6) The salary and allowances payable and other conditions of service of the members shall be such as may be prescribed. (7) The salary, allowances and other conditions of service of the Chairperson or of the member shall not be varied to his disadvantage after appointment (8) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), member may— (a) relinquish his office by giving in writing to the Central Government notice of not less than three months; or 4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II— (b) be removed from his office in accordance with the provisions of section 7. (9) The Chairperson or any other member ceasing to hold office as such, shall— (a) be ineligible for further employment either under the Government of India or under the Stale Government; or (b) not hold any appointment in any private company in telecom sector in relation to which any matter has been the subject matter of consideration before the Authority. Powers of 6. (1) The Chairperson shall have powers of general superintendence and directions Chairperson in the conduct of the affairs of the Authority and he shall, in addition to presiding over and Vice- the meetings of the Authority, exercise and discharge such powers and functions of the Chairperson. Authority and shall discharge such other powers and functions as may be prescribed. (2) The Central Government may appoint one of the members to be a Vice- Chairperson of the Authority who shall exercise and discharge such powers and functions of the Chairperson as may be prescribed or as may be delegated to him by the Authority. Removal 7. (i) The Central. Government may remove from office any member, who— of members from office (a) has been adjudged as insolvent; or in certain circum- (b) has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central stances. Government, involves moral turpitude; or (c) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a member; or (d) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as a member, or (e) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no member shall be removed from his office on the ground specified in clause (d) or clause (e) of that sub- section unless the Supreme Court on a reference being made to it in this behalf by the Central Government, has, on an inquiry, held by it in accordance with such procedure as it may specify in this behalf, reported that the member ought, on such ground or grounds, to be removed. Meetings. 8. (i) The Authority shall meet at such times and places, and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings (including quorum at such meetings) as may be provided by regulations. (2) The Chairperson or, if for any reason, he is unable to attend a meeting of the Authority, the Vice-Chairperson and in his absence, any other member chosen by the members present from amongst themselves at the meeting shall preside at the meeting. (3) All questions which come up before any meeting of the Authority shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present and voting, and in the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson or in his absence, the person presiding, shall have a second or casting vote. Sec. 1 ] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 5 (4) The Authority may make regulations for the transaction of business at its meetings. 9. No act or proceeding of the Authority shall be invalid merely by reason of— Vacancies, etc., not (a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Authority; or to invalidate proceedings (b) any defect in the appointment of a person acting as a member of the of the Authority; or Authority. (c) any irregularity in the procedure of the Authority not affecting the merits of the case. 10. (1) The Authority may appoint officers and such other employees as it considers Officers and necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions under this Ordinance. other employees (2) The salary and allowances payable to and the other conditions of service of the of officers and other employees of the Authority appointed under sub-section (1) shall be Authority. such as may be determined by regulations. CHAPTER III POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTHORITY 13 of 1885. 11. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Functions of functions of the Authority shall be to— Autho- rity. (a) ensure technical compatibility and effective inter-relationship between different service providers; (b) regulate arrangement amongst service providers of sharing their revenue derived from providing telecommunication services; (c) ensure compliance of licence conditions by all service providers; (d) lay down and ensure the time period for providing local and long distance circuits of telecommunication between different service providers; (e) facilitate competition and promote efficiency in the operation of telecommunication services so as to facilitate growth in such services; (f) protect the interest of the consumers of telecommunication service; (g) settle disputes between service providers; (A) render advice to the Central Government in the matters relating to the development of telecommunication technology and any other matter relatable to telecommunication industry in general; (i) levy fees at such rates and in respect of such services as may be determined by regulations; (j) ensure effective compliance of universal service obligations; (k) perform such other functions including such administrative and financial functions as may be entrusted to it by the Government or as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Ordinance. 6 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II— (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the 13 of 1885. Authority may, from time to time, by order, notify the rates at which the telecommunication services within India and out side India shall be provided under this Ordinance including the rates at which messages shall be transmitted to any country outside India. (3) While discharging its functions under sub-section (1), the Authority shall not act against the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality. (4) The Authority shall ensure transparency while exercising its powers and discharging its functions. Power of 12. (1) Where the Authority considers it expedient so to do, it may, by order in Autho- writing,— rity to call for infor- (a) call upon any service provider at any time to furnish in writing such mation, information or explanation relating to its affairs as the Authority may require; or conduct investiga- (6) appoint one or more persons to make an inquiry in relation to the affairs of tions, etc. any service provider, and (c) direct any of its officers or employees to inspect the books of account or other documents of any service provider. (2) Where any inquiry in relation to the affairs of a service provider has been undertaken under sub-section (1),~ (a) every director, manager, secretary or other officer, if such service provider is a company; or (b) every partner, manager, secretary or other officer, if such service provider is a film; or (c) every other person or body of persons who has had dealings in the course of business with any of the persons mentioned in clauses (a) and (b), shall be bound to produce before the Authority making the inquiry, all such books of account or other documents in his custody or power relating to, or having a bearing on the subject matter of such inquiry and also to furnish to the Authority with any such statement or information relating thereto, as the case may be, required of him, within such time as may be specified. (3) Every service provider shall maintain such books of account or other documents as may be prescribed. (4) The Authority shall have the power to issue such directions to service providers as it may consider necessary, for proper functioning by service providers. Power of 13. The Authority may, for the discharge of its functions under sub-section (1) of Autho- section 11, issue such directions from time to tune to the service providers, as it may rity to consider necessary. issue directions. SEC. 1 ] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 7 CHAPTER IV SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES 14. (i) If a dispute arises, in respect of matters referred to in sub-section (2), among Authority to service providers or between service providers and a group of consumers, such disputes settle shall be adjudicated by a bench constituted by the Chairperson and such bench shall disputes. consist of two members: Provided that if the members of the bench differ on any point or points they shall state the point or points on which they differ and refer the same to a third member for hearing on such point or points and such point or points shall be decided according to the opinion of that member. (2) The bench constituted under sub-section (1) shall exercise, on and from the appointed day all such jurisdiction, powers and authority as were exercisable immediately before that day by any civil court on any matter relating to— (i) technical compatibility and inter-connections between service providers; (ii) revenue sharing arrangements between different service providers; (iii) quality of telecommunication service and interest of consumers: Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply in respect of matter relating to— (a) the monopolistic trade practice, restrictive trade practice and unfair trade practice which are subject to the jurisdiction of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission established under sub-section" (1) of section 5 of the 54 of 1969. Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969; (b) the complaint of an individual consumer maintainable before a Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum or a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission or a National Consumer Redressal Commission established under section 9 of the 68 of 1986. Consumer Protection Act, 1986; (c) dispute between telegraph authority and any other person referred to in sub- 13 of 1885. section (1) of section 7B of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. 15. (1) An aggrieved person may make an application in respect of matters referred Filing of to in sub-section (2) of section 14 within such period as may be prescribed. application to Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression "aggrieved person" Authority means— and procedure (i) any service provider who has a dispute in respect of matters referred to in for passing clauses (i) and (ii) of sub-section (2) of section 14; order by it. (ii) where any loss or damage is caused to a group of consumers, any member representing such group of consumers. (2) On receipt of an application made under sub-section (7), the Authority may, after giving the parties an opportunity of being heard, pass such orders as it thinks, fit. 8 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II— (3) While arriving at a decision, the Authority shall record in writing the reasons for such decision. (4) Every decision of the Authority shall be published in the annual report of the Authority. (5) The orders and directions of the Authority shall be binding on the service providers. Government and all other persons concerned. Procedure 16. (1) The Authority shall be guided by the principles of natural justice. and powers of (2) The Authority shall have, for the purpose of discharging their functions under Authority. this Chapter, the same powers as arc vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 in respect of the following matters, namely:— 5 of 1908. (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath; (b) requiring the discovery and production of documents; (c) receiving evidence on affidavits; (d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents; (e) reviewing its decisions; (f) dismissing an application for default or deciding it ex parte; (g) setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order passed by it ex pane; (h) any other matter which may be prescribed. (3) Every proceeding before the Authority shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of sections 193 and 228, and for the purpose of section 196 of the Indian Penal Code and the Authority shall be deemed to be a civil court for all the 45 of 1860. purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. 2 of 1974. Right to 17. The applicant may either appear in person or authorise one or more legal legal rep- practitioners or any of its officers to present his or its case before the Authority. resentation. Appeal to 18. Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Authority may file an High appeal to the High Court within thirty days from the date of communication of the Court. decision or order of the Authority to him: Provided that the High Court may, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within a further period not exceeding sixty days. Orders 19. Every order made by the Authority under this Ordinance or the order made by passed by the High Court in any appeal against any order of the Authority shall, on a certificate Authority issued by any officer of the Authority or the Registrar of the High Court, as the case or High Court to be may be, be deemed to be a degree of the civil court and shall be executable in the executable same manner as a decree of that court. as a degree, SEC. 1 ] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 9 20. If any person wilfully falls to comply with the orders of the Authority or any Penalty for order of the High Court, as the case may be, he shall be punishable with imprisonment wilful for a term which may extend to two years, or fine, or with both. failure to comply with orders of Autho- rity or of CHAPTER V High Court. FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT 21. The Central Government may, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law Grants by in this behalf, make to the Authority grants of such sums of money as that Government the Central may think fit for being utilised for the purposes of this Ordinance. Govern- ment. 22. (1) There shall be constituted a fund to be called the Telecom Regulatory Fund. Authority of India General Fund and there shall be credited thereto— (a) all grants, fees and charges received by the Authority under this Ordinance; and (b) all sums received by the Authority from such other sources as may be decided upon by the Central Government. (2) The Fund shall be applied for meeting— (a) the salaries, allowances and other remuneration of the members, officers and other employees of the Authority; (b) the expenses of the Authority in the discharge of its functions under this Ordinance; and (c) the expenses on objects and for purposes authorised by this Ordinance. 23. (1) The Authority shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant records and Accounts prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form as may be prescribed by the and audit. Central Government in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. (2) The accounts of the Authority shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor- General of India at such intervals as may be specified by him and any expenditure incurred in connection with such auditor shall be payable by the Authority to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. (3) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and any other person appointed by him in connection with the audit of the accounts of the Authority shall have the same rights and privileges and authority in connection with such audit as the Comptroller and Auditor-General generally has, in connection with the audit of the Government accounts and, in particular, shall have the right to demand the production of books, accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and papers and to inspect any of the offices of the Authority. (4) The accounts of the Authority as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor- General of India or any other person appointed by him in this behalf together with the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually to the Central Government and that Government shall cause the same to be laid before each House of Parliament. 10 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II— Furnishing 24. (1) The Authority shall furnish to the Central Government at such time and in of returns, such form and manner as may be prescribed or as the Central Government may direct, etc., to such returns and statements and such particulars in regard to any proposed or existing Central programme for the promotion and development of the telecommunication services, as the Govern- Centra] Government may, from time to time, require. ment. (2) The Authority shall prepare once every year in such form and at such time as may be prescribed, an annual report giving a summary of its activities during the previous year and copies of the report shall be forwarded to the Central Government. (5) A copy of the report received under sub-section (2) shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is received, before each House of Parliament. CHAPTER VI MISCELLANEOUS Power of 25. (1) The Central Government may, from to time to time, issue to the Authority Central such directions as it may think necessary in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity Government of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, to issue decency or morality. directions. (2) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions, the Authority shall, in exercise of its powers or the performance of its functions, be bound by such directions on questions of policy as the Central Government may give in writing to it from time to time: Provided that the Authority shall, as far as practicable, be given an opportunity to express its views before any direction is given under this sub-section. (3) The decision of the Central Government whether a question is one of policy or not shall be final. Members, 26. All members, officers and other employees of the Authority shall be deemed, officers and when acting or purporting to act in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Ordinance employees to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code. 45 of 1860. of Authority to be public servants. Bar of 27. No civil court shall have jurisdiction in respect of any matter which the Authority jurisdiction. is empowered by or under this Ordinance to determine. Protection 28. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Central of action Government or the Authority or any officer of the Central Government or any member, taken in officer or other employees of the Authority for anything which is in good faith done or good faith. intended to be done under this Ordinance or the rules or regulations made thereunder. Penalty for 29. If any person violates directions of the Authority such person shall be punished contraven- in the case of first offence with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two tion of years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both and in case of a directions of second or subsequent offence, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two Authority. years or with fine which may extend to two lakh rupees for each day of default.