HC stays govt decision for installing set-top boxes with TVs

The High Court today (May 31, 2022) stayed for three months a government decision that asked the cable television (TV) subscribers to install set-top boxes with TVs in Dhaka and Chattogram, as this decision was taken without formulating any policy or guideline.

The court also issued a rule asking the government to explain in four weeks why its notification containing this decision should not be declared illegal and unconstitutional.

The HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Khizir Hayat came up with the order and rule following a writ petition filed by Md Abul KawserKalpon, a businessman, challenging the legality of the notification issued by the information ministry on April 28 this year.

The petitioner's lawyer Khandaker Mohammad Musfiqul Huda told The Daily Star that the government itself confessed in the notification that there is no policy or guideline for installing set-top boxes with televisions.

This decision of the government is like putting the cart before the horse, and therefore, it is illegal and unconstitutional, he added.

Deputy Attorney General Bepul Bagmar represented the state during hearing of the petition.