Chief Justice DN Patel appointed Chairperson of Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.

Why in news?

• Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification regarding the approval of his appointment by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), stating that he will serve the Chair for a period of 4 years from the date of assumption of charge of the post, or till attaining the age of 70 years, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest.
• The conditions of his service will be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 and the Tribunal (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021.
• Chief Justice DN Patel was appointed as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court on June 7, 2019 and is now given the Chair of TDSAT, days before his retirement on March 12, 2022.

About Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal

• Created in accordance with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act (TRAI), 1997 (Amended in 2000) authorized by TRAI.
• Objective: To adjudicate disputes and dispose of appeals with a view to protect the interests of service providers and consumers of the telecom sector and to promote and ensure orderly growth of the telecom sector.
• Powers and Jurisdiction: TDSAT has jurisdiction over Telecom, Broadcasting, IT and Airport tariff m atters s under the TRAI Act, 1997 (as amended in 2000), the Information Technology Act, 2008 and the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008 respectively.
• Establishment: 2000
• Headquarters- New Delhi