To the Members,
Your Directors are pleased to present the 36th (Thirty Sixth) Annual Report
of your Company providing an overview of the business and operations of the Company
together with Annual Audited Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements and
Auditor's Report thereon for the Financial Year (FY') ended March 31, 2024, prepared
as per Indian Accounting Standards prescribed under Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013
(the Act').
1. FINANCIAL RESULTS
The financial performance of your Company for the FY ended March 31, 2024, is
summarized below:
(Rs. in lakhs)
Particulars |
Standalone - Year Ended |
Consolidated - Year Ended |
|
31 March 2024 |
31 March 2023 |
31 March 2024 |
31 March 2023 |
Sales & Services |
81,522 |
1,10,973 |
1,85,653 |
2,26,185 |
Other Income |
15,587 |
14,654 |
1,926 |
3,320 |
Total Income |
97,109 |
1,25,627 |
1,87,579 |
2,29,505 |
Total Expenses |
1,02,392 |
1,23,388 |
1,84,174 |
2,47,556 |
Profit/(Loss) before Tax & Exceptional Item |
(5,283) |
2,239 |
3,405 |
(18,051) |
Exceptional Item |
76,684 |
2,20,629 |
40,269 |
1,90,761 |
Profit/(Loss) before Tax |
(81,967) |
(2,18,390) |
(36,864) |
(2,08,812) |
Profit / (loss) from continuing operations before tax |
(81,967) |
(2,18,390) |
(36,864) |
(2,08,812) |
- Current Tax |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- Deferred tax-continued operations |
51,858 |
(15,427) |
1,59,793 |
(40,458) |
Profit / (loss) from continuing operations after tax |
(1,33,825) |
(2,02,963) |
(1,96,657) |
(1,68,354) |
Profit/(Loss) after Tax |
(1,33,825) |
(2,02,963) |
(1,96,657) |
(1,68,354) |
Profit/(Loss) for the Year |
(1,33,825) |
(2,02,963) |
(1,96,657) |
(1,68,354) |
Profit/(Loss) attributable to Owners of the holding |
(1,33,825) |
(2,02,963) |
(1,96,656) |
(1,68,354) |
company |
|
|
|
|
Add: Balance brought forward |
(7,73,766) |
(5,70,747) |
(7,34,002) |
(5,71,290) |
Adjustment for Non-controlling interest |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Add: Restatement of opening reserve |
- |
- |
- |
5,729 |
Add: Re-measurement of post-employment benefits |
(19) |
(56) |
- |
(87) |
Amount available for appropriations |
(9,07,610) |
(7,73,766) |
(9,30,658) |
(7,34,002) |
Balance Carried Forward |
(9,07,610) |
(7,73,766) |
(9,30,658) |
(7,34,002) |
There are no material changes and commitments that occurred after the close of the
financial year till the date of this report which affects the financial position of the
Company, except those mentioned in this report.
Based on internal financial control framework and compliance systems established in the
Company and verified by the auditors' and reviews performed by the management and/or the
Audit Committee of the Board, your Board is of the opinion that Company's internal
financial controls were adequate and effective, during the financial year 2023-24.
2. DIVIDEND
Your Board intends to retain its internal accrual for future business requirements and
the growth of the Company. Accordingly, your Board has not recommended any dividend during
the year under review.
The Board of Directors of the Company had approved and adopted a Policy on Distribution
of Dividend, as amended from time to time, to comply with Regulation 43A of Securities and
Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015 (Listing Regulations'). The said Policy of the Company sets out the parameters
and circumstances that will be taken into account by the Board in determining whether or
not to distribute dividend to its shareholders, the quantum of profits and/or retained
profits to be distributed as dividend etc. The policy is available on the website
of the Company viz. https://www. dishd2h.com
3. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Dish TV India Limited, as India's pioneer direct-to-home (DTH') entertainment
service, has been instrumental in the digitization of the nation's entertainment
landscape. The Company has been at the forefront of delivering premium in-home TV
experiences with cutting-edge digital technology. Dish TV has been dedicated to enhancing
the television experience by integrating innovative features that offer users convenient
access to a wide range of linear and digital content. Its DTH brands DishTV, d2h,
and Zing Super have each established a strong reputation and brand value within
their specific consumer segments and price categories.
Dish TV has transformed from a Pay-TV service to a full-fledged entertainment provider,
revolutionizing the Indian television sector. Catering to the demand for a unified linear
TV and OTT content experience, the Watcho The OTT Super App' offers integrated plans
that combine content at a competitive price. Watcho has achieved remarkable success with a
significant number of downloads this year. The app continues to innovate for the consumer,
enhancing content and leveraging technology to enrich the entertainment experience on
various platforms. Watcho's OTT aggregation service simplifies content consumption by
providing a single subscription for a diverse range of content, improving the viewing
experience across devices. Watcho is an all-encompassing entertainment platform with
original shows, live TV, and on-demand content available anytime, anywhere, on any device.
Dish TV is committed to delivering an exceptional entertainment experience, introducing
features like Voice Search' to enhance convenience and set new industry standards
for ease of use. The Company launched the innovative Own Your Customer' campaign, a
groundbreaking move in media distribution and a significant shift in the cable TV
industry. Concurrently, Dish TV will benefit from acquiring new customers and lowering
service-related costs. This collaborative effort pledges to foster transformation across
the industry and deliver unparalleled value and services to consumers.
During the year, the Company has taken various initiatives relating to modern trade, HR
policies, employee engagement programs and cost optimization across expense heads, to
remain competitive and relevant for future business growth. During fiscal year 2023-24,
the Company faced a decline in subscription revenues due to changing viewing patterns,
inflationary pressures, and conservative spending habits. Dish TV's operational revenue
decreased to Rs. 18,565 million in FY24 from
Rs. 22,619 million in FY23. EBITDA also reduced to Rs. 7,537 million in FY24 from Rs.
9,134 million in FY23. Finance costs pertaining to borrowings has declined by 97.42% to
Rs. 4.7 million in FY24 from Rs. 181.90 million in FY23. The Company has recorded profit
before exceptional items of Rs. 340 million in FY24 and losses before exceptional items of
Rs. 1,805 million in FY23. The annual net loss has increased to Rs. 19,666 million from
Rs. 16,835 million due to adjustment of deferred tax assets as per IND AS 12. The Company
achieved a debt zero status after it paid off the last tranche of the outstanding debt of
Rs. 725 million in July 2023 to lending banks. Dish TV is enhancing its efficiency by
reducing capital expenditure and customer acquisition costs. In the beginning of FY25, the
company introduced the Dish TV Smart+ initiative, which bundles OTT services with linear
TV subscriptions at no extra charge, aiming to boost customer loyalty. Dish TV Smart+
allows both new and existing DTH customers of Dish TV to access OTT apps across various
devices without additional fees.
DIRECT TO HOME (DTH') LICENSE
Your Company was issued Direct to Home (DTH') License by the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting, Government of India (MIB') in the year 2003, which
License was valid for a period of 10 years, i.e. upto September 2013. Subsequently,
MIB has been periodically granting interim extensions of the said License.
The MIB vide Order dated December 30, 2020, issued amended Guidelines for DTH
sector. The amended guidelines, inter-alia provide for a term of 20 years for the
DTH License, and the license fee revised to 8% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), which is
to be calculated by deduction of GST from the Gross Revenue. The terms of the amended
guidelines have come into effect from April 1, 2021. The Company had applied for issue of
License and the MIB has granted provisional License with effect from April 1, 2021, vide
its letter dated March 31, 2021, on the terms and conditions as mentioned therein.
DTH License Fee
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB') had issued a demand notice in
the year 2014 for the License Fee pertaining from the date of issuance of DTH License till
Financial Year 2012-13. The said Demand Notice was challenged by the Company before the
Hon'ble Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT') and the said demand
has been stayed by the Hon'ble TDSAT, which stay continues to be in force.
Further, the Company filed a Writ Petition before the Hon'ble High Court of Jammu and
Kashmir (now Hon'ble High Court of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh) at
Jammu challenging inter-alia the quantum / applicability of License Fee and
imposition of interest on the outstanding license fees. In the said petition, vide order
dated October 13, 2015, the Hon'ble High Court had allowed the interim prayer of the
Company, which order continues to be in force. Similar Writs are also pending before the
Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.
Subsequently, the MIB, vide its communication dated December 24, 2020, had
raised a claim on the Company to pay the license fee for the period from the date of
issuance of DTH License till FY 2018-19. However, the MIB in its said letter, also
mentioned that the amount is further subject to verification and audit and the outcome of
various court cases pending before the Hon'ble TDSAT, the Hon'ble High Court of Jammu and
Kashmir at Jammu and the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, in the matter of DTH License fee.
Company has suitably replied to the said Notice vide its reply dated January 06,
2021.
Similar notices were also issued by MIB vide its communications dated October
26, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Under the communication dated March 22, 2024, an amount of
Rs. 6,161.22 Crore was claimed by the MIB for the period from the date of issuance of DTH
License till FY 2022-23 (including interest thereon as on February 29, 2024). The
communication has been adequately replied by the Company stating that the said issue in
relation to the License fee is pending adjudication before the Hon'ble High Court of Jammu
and Kashmir at Jammu and the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. The DTH License fee matter
has already been through several rounds of litigation, the final outcomes of which are yet
to be argued and concluded.
SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
As on March 31, 2024, your Company has 1 (One) Wholly Owned Subsidiary viz. Dish
Infra Services Private Limited and 1 (One) Subsidiary Company viz. C&S Medianet
Private Limited. There has been no change in the nature of business of the subsidiaries.
Subsidiaries:
I. Dish Infra Services Private Limited
Dish Infra Services Private Limited, the Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Dish TV India
Limited, is inter-alia engaged into provision of services pertaining to infra
support services to the subscribers for facilitating the DTH services including the
instruments which are required for receiving DTH signals such as set top boxes (STB), dish
antenna, Low Noise Boxes (LNB) and other customer related services including call centre
services and repairs.
In compliance with the provision(s) of Regulation 24 of the Listing Regulations, as on
the date of this report, Ms. Garima Bharadwaj acts as an Independent Director on the Board
of Dish Infra Services Private Limited (being an a material unlisted subsidiary).
II. C&S Medianet Private Limited
Your Company holds 51% stake in C&S Medianet Private Limited thereby making it a
subsidiary of the Dish TV India Limited. While C&S Medianet Private Limited was
primarily established as a knowledge center to assist the distribution industry in areas
such as packaging, content acquisition, and regulatory interaction, it is currently not
engaged in any active commercial operations.
Besides the above, there are no other subsidiaries, joint ventures, or associates of
the Company as on March 31, 2024, and as on the date of this report.
The Board at its meeting held on July 24, 2024, considered and approved incorporation /
establishing of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company in India with such name as may be
approved by the concerned approving authority, inter-alia to undertake the business
of distribution of products and services through a robust digital platform and also
provide ancillary services. The Company is in the process of incorporating the said Wholly
Owned Subsidiary of the Company.
Audited Accounts of Subsidiary Companies:
Your Company has prepared the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance
with Section 129(3) of the Act read with the applicable Indian Accounting Standards and
Listing Regulations. As required under the Indian Accounting Standards, issued by the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI') and applicable provisions of the
Listing Regulations, the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company
reflecting the Consolidation of the Accounts of its subsidiaries are included in this
Annual Report. Further, a statement containing the salient features of the financial
statements of subsidiaries pursuant to sub-section 3 of Section 129 of the Act in the
prescribed form AOC-1 is appended to this Board Report.
In accordance with Section 136 of the Act, the audited financial statements including
the consolidated financial statements and related information of the Company and audited
accounts of the subsidiaries are available on the website of the Company viz.
www.dishd2h.com. Your Company has a policy for determining Material Subsidiaries in terms
of the applicable regulations. As on March 31, 2024, the Company has only one Material
Subsidiary viz. Dish Infra Services Private Limited. The Policy for determining
Material Subsidiaries is available on the Company's website viz. www.dishd2h.com.
In accordance with Section 136 of the Act, the Annual Audited Financial Statements
including the Consolidated Financial Statements and related information of the Company and
Annual Audited Accounts of the Subsidiaries are available on the investor section on the
website of the Company viz. www.dishd2h.com.
4. CAPITAL STRUCTURE
During the year under review, there was no change in the Share Capital of the Company.
Accordingly, as of March 31, 2024, the Capital Structure of the Company stand as follows:
The Authorised Share Capital of the Company is Rs. 6,500,000,000/- (Rupees Six
hundred and Fifty Crore Only) divided into
Rs. 6,500,000,000 (Six hundred and Fifty Crore) Equity shares of Rs. 1/- (Rupee One
Only) each.
The Issued Equity Share Capital of the Company comprises of Rs. 1,923,785,637
(One Hundred Ninety Two Crores Thirty Seven Lakhs Eighty Five Thousand Six Hundred and
Thirty Seven) equity shares comprising of Rs. 1,923,785,637 fully paid up equity shares of
Rs. 1/- (Rupee one) each.
The Paid-up Equity Share Capital of the Company is Rs. 1,841,256,154/- (Rupees
One Hundred Eighty Four Crore Twelve Lakh Fifty Six Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Four)
comprising of Rs. 1,841,256,154 fully paid up equity shares of Rs. 1/-(Rupee one) each.
5. FUND RAISING
The Board at its meeting held on July 24, 2024, considered and granted its In-Principal
approval to explore and initiate the process of raising of funds through permissible means
under applicable laws including but not limited to, by way of, issue of equity shares/
convertible bonds/ debentures/ warrants/ preference shares/ foreign currency convertible
bond (FCCB) / any other equity linked securities and/ or any other securities including
through preferential issue on a private placement basis, qualified institutional placement
or any other methods or combinations thereof, listed or unlisted, for an amount not
exceeding
Rs. 1,000 crores, in one or more tranches, subject to such approvals as may be
required. The Board has also approved the conducting of Postal Ballot process for seeking
approval of the Shareholders for raising of funds as mentioned above. Postal Ballot
process through E-voting commenced on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. (IST) and will
ends on Friday, August 30, 2024, till 5:00 P.M. (IST). In accordance with Secretarial
Standard on General Meetings (SS-2), issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of
India, if approved with requisite majority, the Resolution shall be deemed to have been
passed on the last date specified by the Company for E-Voting i.e. Friday, the 30th
day of August 2024.
Listing of Company's Securities
Your Company's fully paid-up equity shares continue to be listed and traded on National
Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE') and BSE Limited (BSE'). Both Stock
Exchanges have nationwide trading terminals and hence facilitate the shareholders/
investors of the Company in trading the shares. The Company has paid the annual listing
fee for the financial year 2024-25 to the said Stock Exchanges.
Further, consequent to amalgamation of Videocon D2h Limited into and with the Company,
your Company had issued new Global Depositary Receipts (the GDRs') to the holders of
American Depositary Shares (ADSs') of Videocon D2H Limited which are listed on the
Professional Securities Market ("PSM") of the London Stock Exchange. Necessary
fees in relation to the GDR's of the Company listed on London Stock Exchange have also
been paid.
Depositories
Your Company has arrangements with National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL')
and Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL'), the Depositories, for
facilitating the members to trade in the fully paid-up equity shares of the Company in
Dematerialized form. The Annual Custody fees for the financial year 2024-25 have been paid
to both the Depositories.
6. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION SCHEME
Your Company had an Employees Stock Option Scheme (ESOP 2007') to
motivate, incentivize and reward employees. With a view to launch a new ESOP Scheme, the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC') at its meeting held on August 17, 2017,
decided not to make any fresh grant of options under ESOP 2007 of the Company, and
withdrew the Scheme by cancelling the stock options which were yet to be granted under the
scheme.
Further, the Company with an objective to attract, retain, motivate, incentivize and to
attract and retain the best talent, recommended a new ESOP Scheme ESOP 2018'
for the employees. The said scheme was approved by the shareholders of the Company at its
thirtieth (30th) Annual General Meeting held on September 28, 2018. Further,
extension of benefits of the scheme to the employee(s) of subsidiary companies and to any
future holding company was also approved by Shareholders on
November 30, 2018, vide Postal Ballot Notice dated October 25, 2018. In
compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits
and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, as amended from time to time, your Board had
authorized the NRC to administer and implement the Company's Employees Stock Option Scheme
including deciding and reviewing the eligibility criteria for grant and /or issuance of
stock options under the Scheme.
Applicable disclosures relating to Employees Stock Options as at March 31, 2024, in
terms of extant regulations, are annexed to this report and are also available on the
website of the Company viz. www.dishd2h.com. The ESOP Schemes of the Company is in
compliance with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits and
Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021.
A Certificate has been received from Jayant Gupta and Associates, Practicing Company
Secretary certifying that the Company's Employee Stock Option Scheme has been implemented
in accordance with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits
and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 and the resolution passed by the shareholders.
7. GLOBAL DEPOSITORY RECEIPT
In terms of the Scheme of Arrangement amongst Videocon D2h Limited and Dish TV India
Limited and their respective Shareholders and Creditors (Scheme'), the ADS holders
of Videocon D2h Limited were issued Global Depositary Receipts (the GDRs') of
Company. The effective date of issuance of GDRs was April 12, 2018, and the same were
listed on the Professional Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange on April 13,
2018.
In terms of the said Scheme, the Board at its meeting held on March 26, 2018, approved
the issuance of 277,095,615 (Twenty Seven Crore Seventy Lakh Ninety Five Thousand Six
hundred and Fifteen) GDRs to the holders of ADSs of Videocon D2h Limited (each GDR
representing one equity share of the Company, exchanged at a rate of approximately
8.073317 new GDRs for every one Videocon D2h Limited ADS).The underlying equity shares
against each of the GDR's were issued in the name of the Depository viz. Deutsche
Bank Trust Company Americas.
Out of the total 277,095,615 (Twenty Seven Crore Seventy Lakh Ninety Five Thousand Six
hundred and Fifteen) GDRs issued by the Company upon completion of merger, the Investors
have cancelled 249,189,800 (Twenty Four Crore Ninety One Lakh Eighty Nine Thousand Eight
Hundred) GDRs till the end of the Financial Year under review, in exchange for underlying
equity shares of the Company. Accordingly, as on March 31, 2024, the outstanding GDRs of
the Company are 27,905,815 (Two crore Seventy Nine Lakh Five Thousand Eight Hundred and
Fifteen) GDR.
8. REGISTERED OFFICE
The Registered Office of the Company is presently situated at Office No. 803, 8th
Floor, DLH Park, S.V. Road, Goregaon (west), Mumbai - 400 062, Maharashtra'.
9. REGISTRAR & SHARE TRANSFER AGENT
The Registrar & Share Transfer Agent (RTA') of the Company is Link Intime
India Private Limited. The Registered office of Link Intime India Private Limited is
situated at C 101, 247 Park, LBS Marg, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400 083, Maharashtra.
10. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND POLICIES
The Company's principles of Corporate Governance are based on transparency,
accountability and focus on the sustainable long-term growth of the Company. Responsible
corporate conduct is integral to the way we do our business. Our actions are governed by
our values and principles, which are reinforced at all levels within the Company. In order
to maximize shareholder value on a sustained basis, your Company constantly assesses and
benchmarks itself with well-established Corporate Governance practices. In terms of the
requirement of Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of the Listing Regulations, a detailed
report on Corporate Governance along with Compliance Certificate issued by Jayant Gupta
and Associates, Practising Company
Secretary is attached and forms an integral part of this Annual Report. Management
Discussion and Analysis Report and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
(BRSR') as per Listing Regulations are presented in separate sections forming part
of this Annual Report.
In compliance with the requirements of the Act and the Listing Regulations, your Board
has approved various Policies including Code of Conduct for Board of Directors and Senior
Management, Policy for determining material subsidiaries, Policy for preservation of
documents & archival of records on website, Policy for determining material event,
Policy for fair disclosure of unpublished price sensitive information, Corporate Social
Responsibility Policy, Whistle blower & Vigil mechanism, Related Party Transaction
Policy, Dividend Distribution Policy, Nomination and Remuneration Policy, and Risk
Management Policy. These policies and codes are reviewed by the Committees / Board from
time to time. These policies and codes along with the familiarisation programme for
Independent Directors and terms and conditions for appointment of independent directors
are available on Company's website viz. www.dishd2h.com.
In compliance with the requirements of Section 178 of the Act, the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee (NRC) of your Board has fixed the criteria for nominating a person
on the Board which inter-alia include desired size and composition of the Board,
age limits, qualification / experience, balance of skills, knowledge & experience and
independence of individual. Further, in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board
of India (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 (PIT Regulations'), as
amended from time to time, on prevention of insider trading, your Company has a
comprehensive Code of Conduct for regulating, monitoring and reporting of trading by
Insiders. The said Code lays down guidelines, which advise Insiders on the procedures to
be followed and disclosures to be made in dealing with the shares of the Company and
cautions them on consequences of non-compliances. Your Company has further put in place a
Code of practices and procedures of fair disclosures of unpublished price sensitive
information. The said codes are applicable to all Directors, KMPs and other Designated
Persons, as identified in the Code, who may have access to unpublished price sensitive
information of the Company. The codes are available on Company's website viz.www.dishd2h.com.
The Audit Committee of the Board has been vested with powers and functions relating to
Risk Management which inter alia includes (a) review of risk management policies
and business processes to ensure that the business processes adopted and transactions
entered into by the Company are designed to identify and mitigate potential risk; (b)
evaluation of internal financial controls and risk management systems; (c) laying down
procedures relating to Risk assessment and minimization; and (d) formulation,
implementation and monitoring of the risk management plan.
Your Company has a Risk Management Committee, which inter-alia accesses the
Company's risk profile, acceptable level of risk, access cyber security, develop and
maintain risk management framework, measures of risk mitigation and business continuity
plan. The said Committee also performs such other functions as may be entrusted to it by
applicable regulatory provisions and the Board, from time to time.
11. DIRECTORS' & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
Your Company's board comprises of Directors representing a blend of professionalism,
knowledge and experience which ensures that the Board independently performs its
governance and management functions.
As on March 31, 2024, your Board comprised of Two (2) Directors (including one
Independent Women Director). Pursuant to the provisions of Up-linking Guidelines of the
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB'), the Company is required to obtain
prior permission of the MIB to affect any change in the Board of Directors and / or Chief
Executive Officer.
During the year and subsequent to the closure of financial year, the following changes
occurred in the Board of Directors of the Company:
1. Ms. Zohra Chatterji resigned as an Independent Director, from the close of business
hours of June 2, 2023.
2. The Board at its meeting held on June 26, 2023, approved the appointment of Mr.
Veerender Gupta as Whole Time Director of the Company for the period from June 26, 2023,
to June 25, 2026, subject to the shareholder's approval.
3. The Board at its Meeting held on September 21, 2023, approved the appointment of Ms.
Aanchal David, as Independent Woman Director, for the period from September 26, 2023, to
September 25, 2028, subject to the shareholder's approval.
4. Basis on the votes cast by the shareholders at the 35th Annual General
Meeting held on September 25, 2023, Mr. Veerender Gupta, vacated the office of Whole Time
Director. Further, at the said Annual General Meeting, Dr. (Mrs.) Rashmi Aggarwal ceased
to be the Independent Director of the Company, upon completion of her second term.
5. The Board at its Meeting held on September 29, 2023, approved the appointment of Mr.
Rajesh Sahni and Mr. Virender Kumar Tagra, as Non-Executive Non-Independent Directors,
with effect from September 29, 2023, subject to the shareholder's approval.
6. The Board at its Meeting held on October 21, 2023, approved the re-appointment of
Mr. Shankar Aggarwal, as Independent Director, for the period from October 25, 2023, to
October 24, 2028, subject to the shareholder's approval.
7. Upon the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board at
its meeting held on December 18, 2023, approved the appointment of Mr. Ravi Bhushan Puri
as the Whole Time Director (Additional) of the Company for the period from December 22,
2023, to September 30, 2024, and appointment of Mr. Sunil Khanna as Independent Director,
for the period from December 22, 2023 to December 21, 2028, both appointments being
subject to the shareholder's approval.
8. Basis on the votes cast by the shareholders at the Extra Ordinary General Meeting
held on December 22, 2023, Mr. Shankar Aggarwal and Mr. Aanchal David vacated the office
of Independent Directors, and Mr. Rajesh Sahni and Mr. Virender Kumar Tagra, vacated the
office of Non-Executive Directors.
9. The Board at its Meeting held on January 22, 2024, approved the appointment of Ms.
Sonal Bankim Parekh, as Independent Director, for the period from January 22, 2024, to
January 21, 2029, subject to the shareholder's approval.
10. The Board at its Meeting held on March 15, 2024, approved the appointment of Mr.
Manoj Dobhal, the Chief Executive Officer, as Whole Time Director (Additional) of the
Company, for the period from March 15, 2024, to March 14, 2027 and appointment of Ms. Ritu
Kaura, as Independent Director, for the period from March 21, 2024 to March 20, 2029, both
appointments being subject to the shareholder's approval.
11. Basis on the votes cast by the shareholders at the Extra Ordinary General Meeting
held on March 21, 2024, Mr. Sunil Khanna and Ms. Sonal Bankim Parekh vacated the office of
Independent Directors and Mr. Ravi Bhushan Puri, vacated the office of Whole Time
Director.
12. The Board at its Meeting held on April 30, 2024, approved the appointment of Mr.
Mukesh Chand, as Independent Director, for the period from April 30, 2024, to April 29,
2029, subject to the shareholder's approval.
13. Ms. Ritu Kaura, resigned as an Independent Director, from the close of business
hours of May 13, 2024.
14. The Board at its Meeting held on May 20, 2024, approved the appointment of Mr.
Manish Khandelwal, as Independent Director, for the period from May 20, 2024, to May 19,
2029, subject to the shareholder's approval.
15. The Board at its Meeting held on June 10, 2024, approved the appointment of Ms.
Garima Bharadwaj and Mr. Azeezuddin Mohammad, as Independent Directors, for the period
from June 14, 2024, to June 13, 2029, both appointments being subject to the shareholder's
approval.
16. Basis the votes cast by the shareholders at the Extra Ordinary General Meeting held
on June 14, 2024, Mr. Mukesh Chand and Mr. Manish Khandelwal, vacated the office of
Independent Directors. Further, at the said Extra Ordinary General Meeting, appointment of
Mr. Manoj Dobhal as Whole Time Director was approved by the shareholders with requisite
majority.
During the year and Subsequent to the closure of financial year, the following were the
changes in the Key Managerial Personnels of the Company:
1. Mr. Anil Kumar Dua, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, vide his letter
dated May 23, 2023, tendered his resignation from the position of Chief Executive Officer
of the Company with effect from the close of business hours of August 22, 2023.
2. Upon receipt of approval of MIB dated August 3, 2023, the Board appointed Mr. Manoj
Dobhal, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, in the category of Key Managerial
Personnel, with effect from August 23, 2023.
As on the date of the report, your Board comprised of 3 (Three) Directors including 2
(Two) Independent Directors (including one Independent Woman Director) and 1 (one)
Executive Director.
Jayant Gupta and Associates, Practising Company Secretary, has issued a certificate,
pursuant to Regulation 34(3) read with Schedule V para C clause 10(i) of the SEBI Listing
Regulations, confirming that none of the Directors on the Board of the Company as on March
31, 2024, were debarred or disqualified from or continuing as Director on the Board by the
Securities and Exchange Board of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any other
Statutory Authority. The said Certificate is attached and forms an integral part of this
Annual Report.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152(6) of the Act, Mr. Manoj Dobhal
(DIN-10536036), retires by rotation at this Annual General Meeting and being eligible,
offers himself for re-appointment. Your Board recommends his re-appointment. Further, the
members at the ensuing Annual General Meeting, shall be considering the appointment of Mr.
Azeezuddin Mohammad and Ms. Garima Bharadwaj as Non- Executive Independent Directors of
the Company. Your Board recommends their appointment.
The detailed profile of the Directors are provided in this report and as an annexure to
the Notice calling the Annual General Meeting.
As required under Regulation 36(3) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, particulars of
Director seeking appointments/reappointment at this AGM are given in the Annexure to the
AGM Notice.
As on March 31, 2024 and as on date of this report, Mr. Manoj Dobhal, Chief Executive
Officer and Whole Time Director, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Dalmia, Chief Financial Officer and Mr.
Ranjit Singh, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of the Company, were / are the Key
Managerial Personnels of the Company, which is in compliance with the requirements of
Section 2 (51) and 203 of the Act read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014.
Chairman
In absence of a regular Chairman of the Board, the Board at its respective meeting
appoints a Board member as the Chairman / Chairperson, for the said meeting.
Board Diversity
Adequate diversity on the Board is essential to meet the challenges of business
globalisation, rapid deployment of technology, greater social responsibility, increasing
emphasis on corporate governance and enhanced need for risk management. The Board enables
efficient functioning through differences in perspective and skill, and fosters
differentiated thought processes at the back of varied industrial and management
expertise, gender, knowledge and geographical backgrounds. The Board recognises the
importance of a diverse composition and has adopted a Board Diversity Policy which sets
out its approach to diversity. The Company recognizes and embraces the importance of a
diverse Board in its success.
Board Meetings
The meetings of the Board are scheduled at regular intervals to discuss and decide on
matters of business performance, policies, strategies and other matters of significance.
The Notice of the meetings and Agenda thereof is circulated in advance, to ensure proper
planning and effective participation. In certain exigencies, decisions of the Board are
also accorded through circulation and also through meeting convened at shorter notice. The
Directors of the Company are given the facility to attend the meetings through video
conferencing, in case they so desire, subject to compliance with the specific requirements
under the Act.
The Board met 19 (Nineteen) times during the FY 2023-24, the details of which are given
in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report. The intervening
gap between any 2 (two) meetings was within the period prescribed by the Act and Listing
Regulations.
Declaration by Directors/Independent Directors
All Directors of the Company have confirmed that they are not debarred from holding the
office of Director by virtue of any SEBI Order or order of any other such authority. The
Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management have affirmed compliance with
the Code of Conduct laid down by the Company.
Independent Directors provide declarations, both at the time of appointment as well as
annually, confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as provided in Section
149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulations. Further, in terms of
Regulation 25(8) of the Listing Regulations, the Independent Directors have confirmed that
they are not aware of any circumstances or situation which exists or may be reasonably
anticipated that could impair or impact their ability to discharge their duties. Based on
the declarations received from the Independent Directors, the Board has confirmed that
they meet the criteria of independence as mentioned under Regulation 16(1)(b) of the
Listing Regulations and that they are independent of the management.
A declaration on compliance with Rule 6(3) of the Companies (Appointment and
Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, regarding the requirement relating to enrolment
in the Data Bank for Independent Directors, has been received from all the Independent
Directors, along with declaration made under Section 149(6) of the Act.
There are no pecuniary relationships or transactions between the Independent Directors
and the Company, other than the sitting fees paid to the Non-Executive and Independent
Directors.
Separate Meeting of the Independent Directors
In accordance with the provisions of Schedule IV to the Act and Regulation 25(3) of the
Listing Regulations, during the FY 2023-24, separate meetings of the Independent Directors
of the Company were held on March 15, 2024, without the attendance of members of the
Management. The Independent Directors reviewed the performance of Directors and the Board
as a whole, and assessed the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information
between the Company Management and the Board, that is necessary for the Board to
effectively and reasonably perform their duties.
Board Evaluation
In line with the Corporate Governance Guidelines of your Company and in accordance with
the criteria laid down by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC'), a formal
evaluation of the performance of the Board, its Committees and the Individual Directors
was carried out during the Financial Year 2023-24. The Board evaluation framework has been
designed in compliance with the requirements specified under the Act, the Listing
Regulations, and in accordance with the Guidance Note on Board Evaluation issued by SEBI.
The evaluation process was carried out based on an assessment sheet structured in line
with the guidance note issued by ICSI, and SEBI, in this regard.
The Independent Directors of your Company, in a separate meeting, evaluated the
performance of the Non-Independent Directors along with the performance of the Board/Board
Committees based on criteria recommended by the NRC, which were inter-alia based on
the Guidance Note on Board Evaluation' issued by the SEBI. A report on such
evaluation done by the Independent Directors was taken on record by the Board and further
your Board, in compliance with requirements of the Act, evaluated performance of all the
Directors, Board/Board Committees based on various parameters including attendance,
contribution etc. The details of the evaluation process are set out in the
Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report.
The Board of Directors has evaluated the Independent Director appointed during the
financial year 2023-24 and have opined that they are satisfied with regard to the
integrity, expertise and experience (including proficiency) of the Independent Director of
the Company appointed by the Board.
Policy on Directors' appointment and remuneration
In compliance with the requirements of Section 178 of the Act, the Nomination &
Remuneration Committee (NRC') of your Board had fixed the criteria for nominating a
person on the Board which inter-alia include desired size and composition of the
Board, age limit, qualification / experience, areas of expertise, skill set and
independence of individual. Your Company has also adopted a Remuneration Policy, salient
features whereof is annexed to this report.
Further, pursuant to provisions of the Act, the NRC of your Board has formulated the
Nomination and Remuneration Policy for the appointment and determination of remuneration
of the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Management and other Employees of your
Company. The NRC has also developed the criteria for determining the qualifications,
positive attributes and independence of Directors and for making payments to Executive
Directors of the Company.
The NRC takes into consideration the best remuneration practices in the industry while
fixing appropriate remuneration packages and for administering the long-term incentive
plans, such as ESOPs. Further, the compensation package of the Director, Key Managerial
Personnel, Senior Management and other employees are designed based on the set of
principles enumerated in the said policy. Your Directors affirm that the remuneration paid
to the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Management and other employees is as
per the Nomination and Remuneration Policy of your Company.
The remuneration details of the Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and Company Secretary, along with details of ratio of remuneration of
Director to the median remuneration of employees of the Company for the Financial Year
under review are provided as Annexure to this Report.
Familiarisation Programme for Independent Directors
The Board Familiarisation Programme comprised of sessions on business, functional
issues, paradigm of the Industry, Strategy session, key changes in regulatory framework
and industry updates. To familiarize the Directors with strategy, operations and functions
of the Company, the senior managerial personnel make presentations about updates on
applicable laws and their amendments, Related Party Transactions, and duties,
responsibilities and liabilities of Independent Directors, Industry Update, Broadcasting
sector, challenges and strategy of the business.
The Independent Directors are taken through an induction and familiarisation Programme
when they join the Board of your Company. The induction programme covers the Company's
history, background of the Company and its growth over the last few years, various
milestones in the Company's existence, the present structure and an overview of the
business and functions. The Board including all Independent Directors are provided with
relevant documents, reports and internal policies to enable them to familiarise with the
Company's procedures and practices from time to time besides regular briefing by the
members of the Senior Management Team.
The details of familiarisation program can be viewed in the Investor section of
Company's website at the link http://dishd2h.com/ corporate-governance/
Committees of the Board
In compliance with the requirements of the Act, Listing Regulations and smooth
functioning of the Company, your Board constituted various Committees which includes Audit
Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholder's Relationship Committee,
Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, Risk Management Committee, Corporate Management
Committee and Disciplinary Committee.
As on March 21, 2024, the Audit Committee comprised of Mrs. Sonal Bankim Parekh
(Independent Director) as chairperson, Mr. Sunil Khanna (Independent Director) and Mr.
Ravi Bhushan Puri (Executive Director) as members of the Committee. Basis the votes cast
by the shareholders at Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on March 21, 2024, Mr. Sunil
Khanna, Mrs. Sonal Bankim Parekh and Mr. Ravi Bhushan Puri vacated the office of directors
and committee thereof. Accordingly, the composition of Audit Committee is not in line with
applicable provisions as on March 31, 2024.
Upon appointment of Directors on the Board of the Company, the Audit Committee was
re-constituted on April 30, 2024, with Mr. Mukesh Chand (Independent Director) as
chairperson, Mr. Manoj Dobhal (Executive Director) and Ms. Ritu Kaura (Independent
Director) as members of the Committee. Further, Ms. Ritu Kaura resigned from the
Directorship of the Company with effect from May 13, 2024, and Committees of the Board.
Mr. Manish Khandelwal was appointed as an Independent Director on the Board of the Company
and also inducted as a member of the Audit Committee with effect from May 20, 2024.
Accordingly, as on May 20, 2024, the Audit Committee comprised of Mr. Mukesh Chand
(Independent Director) as chairperson, Mr. Manoj Dobhal (Executive Director) and Mr.
Manish Khandelwal (Independent Director) as members of the Committee.
Basis the votes cast by the shareholders at Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on June
14, 2024, Mr. Mukesh Chand and Mr. Manish Khandelwal vacated the office of director and
committee thereof. Accordingly, the Composition of Audit Committee is not in line with
applicable provisions as on June 15, 2024.
Upon appointment of Directors on the Board of the Company, the Audit Committee was
re-constituted on July 4, 2024, with Mr. Azeezuddin Mohammad (Independent Director) as
chairperson, Mr. Manoj Dobhal (Executive Director) and Ms. Garima Bharadwaj (Independent
Director) as members of the Committee, which composition continues as on date and is in
line with the applicable provisions.
During the year under review, the Board re-constituted the Audit Committee at three
occasions, all on account of change in the Board members.
Details of the constitution of the other Board Committees, are available on the website
of the Company viz. https:// www.dishd2h.com. Details of scope, constitution, terms
of reference, number of meetings held during the year under review along with attendance
of Committee Members therein form part of the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this
report.
Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy
Your Company is committed to highest standards of ethical, moral and legal business
conduct. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has formulated a Vigil Mechanism/Whistle
Blower policy which provides a robust framework for dealing with genuine concerns &
grievances. The policy provides access to Directors/ Employees/Stakeholders of the Company
to report concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud of any Director
and/or Employee of the Company or any violation of the code of conduct. The policy
safeguards whistle blowers from reprisals or victimization, in line with the Regulations.
Further during the year under review, no case was reported under the Vigil Mechanism. In
terms of the said policy, no personnel have been denied access to the Audit Committee of
the Board. The said policy is accessible on the website of the Company viz.
www.dishd2h.com.
Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance
Your Company has taken D&O Insurance for all of its Directors (including
Independent Directors) and Members of the Senior Management, for such quantum and risks as
determined by the Board.
Cost Records
Your Company is required to maintain the Cost Records as specified by the Central
Government under sub-section (1) of Section 148 of the Act read with applicable
notifications thereto. Your board at its meeting held on May 12, 2023, had reappointed
Chandra Wadhwa & Co., (Firm Registration No. 000239), Cost Accountants, to carry out
Audit of Cost Records for the financial year 2023- 24 pursuant to Section 148 of the
Companies Act, 2013. The Company has been making and maintaining the Cost Accounts and
Records, including for the Financial Year 2023-24, as required under applicable
provisions. The Cost Auditors have issued their unqualified report for the Financial Year
2023-24, which has been taken on record by the Audit Committee / Board of the Company at
its meeting held on August 13, 2024.
In accordance with the provisions of section 148 of the Act read with the Companies
(Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, since the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor for
financial year 2023-24 is required to be ratified by the members, the Board upon the
recommendation of the Audit Committee, recommends the same for confirmation and
ratification by members at the ensuing AGM.
12. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In compliance with the requirements of Section 135 of the Act, your Company has a duly
constituted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee. As on March 21, 2024, CSR
Committee comprised of Mr. Sunil Khanna (Independent Director) as chairperson and Mrs.
Sonal Bankim Parekh (Independent Director) and Mr. Ravi Bhushan Puri (Executive Director)
as members of the Committee. Basis the votes cast by the shareholders at Extra Ordinary
General Meeting held on March 21, 2024, Mr. Sunil Khanna, Mrs. Sonal Bankim Parekh and Mr.
Ravi Bhushan Puri vacated the office of directors and committee thereof. Accordingly, the
composition of Corporate Social Responsibility Committee was not in line with applicable
provisions as on March 31, 2024.
Upon appointment of Directors on the Board of the Company, the CSR Committee was
re-constituted on April 30, 2024, with Mr. Manoj Dobhal (Executive Director) as
chairperson and Ms. Ritu Kaura (Independent Director) and Mr. Mukesh Chand (Independent
Director) as members of the Committee. Accordingly, the composition of the Committee was
in line with the applicable provisions upon re-constitution. Further, Ms. Ritu Kaura
resigned from the Directorship of the Company and Board committees with effect from May
13, 2024. Mr. Manish Khandelwal was appointed as an Independent Director on the Board of
the Company and also inducted as a member of the CSR Committee with effect from May 20,
2024. Basis the votes cast by the shareholders at Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on
June 14, 2024, Mr. Mukesh Chand and Mr. Manish Khandelwal vacated the office of director
and committee thereof. Accordingly, the Composition of CSR Committee is not in line with
applicable provisions as on June 15, 2024.
Upon appointment of Directors on the Board of the Company, the CSR Committee was
re-constituted on July 4, 2024, with Mr. Manoj Dobhal (Executive Director) as chairperson
and Ms. Garima Bharadwaj (Independent Director) and Mr. Azeezuddin Mohammad (Independent
Director) as members of the Committee, which composition continues as on date and is in
line with the applicable provisions.
The CSR Committee has formulated and recommended to the Board, a CSR policy indicating
the activity or activities to be undertaken by the Company as per applicable provisions of
Section 135 read with Schedule VII of the Act and rules made thereto, which policy has
been duly approved by the Board. During the period under review, there was no meeting of
CSR committee held, as the Company was not required to spend on CSR activities during the
Financial Year 2023-24 and there were no Ongoing CSR projects of the Company.
A brief outline of the CSR Philosophy, salient features of the CSR Policy of the
Company and the report on CSR activities in the prescribed format, as required by the
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, is appended to this Board
Report.
13. AUDITORS
Statutory Auditors
At the 35th (Thirty Fifth) Annual General Meeting of the Company held on
September 25, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee and the Board, S.N.
Dhawan & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 000050N / N500045),
were appointed as the Statutory Auditors of the Company for a First term of Five (5) years
i.e. to hold office from the conclusion of the 35th (Thirty Fifth)
Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of the 40th (Fortieth) Annual
General Meeting of the Company to be held in the calendar year 2028.
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks made by S.N. Dhawan &
Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, Statutory Auditors, in their report for the financial year
ended March 31, 2024.
Secretarial Auditor
During the year, the Board had re-appointed Mr. Jayant Gupta, Practicing Company
Secretary, (holding ICSI Certificate of Practice No. 9738), proprietor of Jayant Gupta
& Associates, Practising Company Secretary as the Secretarial Auditor of the Company
for conducting the Secretarial Audit for the FY 2023-24 in accordance with Section 204 of
the Act and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014 made thereunder. Copy of the Secretarial Audit report (MR-3) of the Company for the
Financial Year 2023-24 is annexed to this report.
Dish Infra Services Private Limited, the unlisted material subsidiary of your company,
had appointed Ms. Anjali Yadav, Practicing Company Secretary, (holding ICSI Certificate of
Practice No. 7257), proprietor of Anjali Yadav & Associates, Company Secretaries, as
its Secretarial Auditor to conduct the Secretarial Audit for the FY 2023-24. The said
Audit has been conducted in accordance with Section 204 of the Act, the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 made thereunder and in
compliance to Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations. Copy of the Secretarial Audit
report (MR-3) of Dish Infra Services Private Limited for the Financial Year 2023-24 is
annexed to this report.
Additionally, in compliance with the requirements of Regulation 24A of Listing
Regulations, the Annual Secretarial Compliance Report issued by Mr. Jayant Gupta,
Practicing Company Secretary (holding ICSI Certificate of Practice No. 9738) has been
submitted to the Stock Exchanges within the prescribed timelines. The remarks provided in
the report are self-explanatory. The reports of Statutory Auditor and Secretarial Auditor
forms part of this Annual report.
Secretarial Auditors' observation(s) in Secretarial Audit Report and Directors'
explanation thereto:
1. During the Audit period, the number of Directors on the Board were less than
the minimum number of directors required on the Board as per Regulation 17(1) of
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI LODR"). As per the SEBI LODR, the Board of Directors of
the Listed Entity shall be comprised of not less than six directors. Accordingly, the
composition of the Board of Directors was not as per Regulation
17 of SEBI LODR throughout the audit period. The composition of the Board was not being
complied with due to non-approval of the resolutions for the appointment/ re-appointment
of Directors by the shareholders of the Company, resignation of Directors and requirement
of having prior approval of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before appointing
any Director on the Board of the Company, in terms of the Uplinking Guidelines.
2. The requirement of having minimum two Independent directors on the Board at
all times, as per Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 was not complied with during the
period December 23, 2023 till January 21, 2024 due to non-approval of the resolutions for
the appointment/ re-appointment of Directors by the shareholders of the Company and
requirement of having prior approval of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
before appointing any Director on the Board of the Company, in terms of the Uplinking
Guidelines.
3. There were only two directors on the Board from June 3, 2023 till June 25,
2023; again from September 26, 2023 to September 28, 2023, from December 23, 2023 to
January 21, 2024, and again from March 22, 2024 till the end of the year under review,
which is not in compliance with Section 149(1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013. The said
section required that every Public company shall have a Board of Directors consisting of
minimum number of three directors. However, at the Board meetings held during the said
periods, the Directors only took decisions pertaining to induction of new Directors on the
Board, in terms of Section 174(2) of the Companies Act, 2013.
4. The Board Meetings held on June 26, 2023, September 29, 2023 and January 22,
2024, were attended by only two directors each, which was in default of Regulation 17(2A)
of the SEBI LODR. As per the said regulation, the quorum for every meeting of the board of
directors of top 2000 listed entities with effect from April 1, 2020 is one-third of its
total strength or three directors, whichever is higher, including at least one independent
director. However, pursuant to section 174(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, at the Board
meetings held during the said dates, the Directors only took decisions pertaining to
induction of new Directors on the Board.
5. For the period from June 3, 2023 till September 28, 2023, the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors was not duly constituted and consisted of
only two members; and again from December 23, 2023 till the end of the year under review,
the committee had no members, instead of minimum three members required under Section 178
of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Regulation 19 of the SEBI LODR. The functions of the
Committee were discharged by the Board during this period.
6. Consequent to the reduction of strength in total number of Board Members
below the minimum required under Section 149 of the Act and / or Regulation 17 of SEBI
LODR, the composition of the committees as required to be maintained under Regulations 18
to 21 of the SEBI LODR were not as per the respective regulations from time to time, till
new directors were inducted on the Board and the Committees were reconstituted. However,
the functions of all the Board committees mandated in Companies Act and / or SEBI LODR,
except for the Nomination and Remuneration committee of the Company, were duly discharged
at the meetings of the respective Board committees upon their reconstitution. The
functions of the Nomination and Remuneration were discharged by the Board whenever the
total strength of the committee members went below the statutory minimum or appropriately
constituted committee was not in place.
7. The Financial Statements for the Financial Years 2020-21 and 2021-22, the
Auditors Reports, Board Reports and their annexures thereon were not adopted by the
shareholders of the Company at the AGMs (including adjournments thereof) held on December
30, 2021, September 26, 2022 and December 29, 2022 respectively and these were approved by
the shareholders of the Company at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on
September 25, 2023. While the Company has filed the provisional financial statements and
other documents with the Registrar of Companies for the years 2020-21 and 2021-22, in
compliance with applicable provisions, however, it has not yet filed the adopted financial
statements and other documents with the Registrar of Companies for the years 2020-21 and
2021-22, due to some technical glitch in the MCA portal causing excessive additional fees
being levied at the time of filing. The Company has raised a complaint / ticket for this
with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and awaits resolution.
8. The Company had made a contravention of provisions of Regulation 15 of
Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of any Foreign Security) Regulations, 2004,
in relation to delayed/non-repatriation of dues in respect of loan and interest receivable
from its overseas joint venture viz. Dish T V Lanka (Private) Limited. In response to the
compounding application filed by the Company with the Reserve Bank of India in this
regard, the Company, vide Reserve Bank of India's Compounding Order dated July 27, 2023,
was directed to deposit Rs. 50,14,407/- (Rupees Fifty Lacs Fourteen Thousand Four Hundred
and Seven Only) for compounding of the above contravention, which was duly paid by the
Company on August 9, 2023.
Response
The non-compliance in respect of composition of the Board of Directors or Board
Committees or non-compliance in respect of quorum requirements, primarily arose on account
of non-approval of the appointment/reappointment of Directors by the Shareholders of
Company from time to time and resignation of Director. In addition, the Company was also
bound by the Uplinking Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(MIB') which prescribes for prior approval of the MIB before appointment of any
Director on the Board unless the number of Directors on the Board is less than 3
Directors, in which case, the Company has the right to appoint upto 3 Directors and seek
subsequent approval of the MIB. The Board/ Nomination and Remuneration Committee in its
capacity has always taken requisite and timely steps to ensure compliance with respect to
the minimum number of Directors required on the Board / Committees of the Company and the
quorum requirements.
The Board and the management have always made conscious efforts to comply with all the
applicable laws and regulations, including Listing Regulations, the Act and the Up-linking
Guidelines of MIB. It is stated that the non-compliance of certain provisions of Listing
Regulations and the Act, which occurred during the period under review occurred due to
circumstances which were beyond the control of the Company. It is also mentioned that the
Stock Exchanges viz. National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited,
imposed penalty on the Company on account of the above referred non-compliances in terms
of the SOP's of the exchanges. While the Company has paid the penalty in the prescribed
timelines, since the said non-compliances were beyond the control of the Company, Board
and the Management, necessary applications were also filed by the Company for waiver of
the said penalties with Stock Exchanges. The details of the above referred non-compliances
and steps taken by the Company to remedial the same are also mentioned in the Corporate
Governance report.
As regard the filing of the adopted Annual Audited Financial Statements and other
documents of the Company, with the Registrar of Companies, for the Financial Year 2020-21
and 2021-22, it is stated that the Annual Audited Financial Statements for the Financial
Years 2020-21 and 2021-22, the Auditors Reports, Board Reports and their annexures thereon
were not adopted by the shareholders of the Company at the AGMs (including adjournments
thereof) held on December 30, 2021, September 26, 2022 and December 29, 2022 respectively.
In compliance with the applicable regulatory provisions, the Company had filed the
annual audited financial statements for the financial year ending March 31, 2021, and
March 31, 2022, as being provisional financial statements, with the Registrar of Companies
on March 23, 2022, and November 2, 2022, respectively.
The Annual Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the Financial Year 2020-21
and 2021-22 along with reports thereon were again placed for consideration and adoption by
the Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on September 25, 2023,
wherein the same were duly approved by the Shareholders with requisite majority. In
compliance with applicable provisions, the Company proceeded with filing the adopted
Annual Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the Financial Year 2020-21 and
2021-22 with the Registrar of Companies however due to some technical glitch in the MCA
portal, excessive additional fees were being levied at the time of filing. The Company
has raised a complaint / ticket for this with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and has
been regularly following up with the Ministry and awaits resolution. The Company shall
file the adopted Annual Audited Financial Statements upon resolution of the said technical
issue.
With regard to the contravention of provisions of Regulation 15 of Foreign Exchange
Management (Transfer or Issue of any Foreign Security) Regulations, 2004, it is stated
that the Company had incorporated a Joint Venture (JV') Company in Sri Lanka, in the
name and style of Dish T V Lanka (Private) Limited' for providing Direct to Home
Services in Sri Lanka, on April 25, 2012. The Company held 70% of the paid-up share
capital of the JV. Owing to adverse market conditions, unfavorable taxation regime, high
competition and a very small market size, the operations of JV were not in line with the
desired projections and accordingly the operations of JV were suspended. The Board of the
Company approved the divestment of the Company's entire equity investment in JV and write
off of receivables. Further, in terms of the approval granted by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI') in this regard, the entire stake of the Company aggregating to Sri Lankan
Rupees 700,000/- held in JV, were transferred to Union Network International Pvt Ltd and
receivables were written off. Further, for the establishment and running of the business
of JV, the Company had granted loans from time to time, aggregating to USD 20,000,000 and
since the JV was going through a liquidity crunch during the period 2016-17 to 2020-21 the
repayment of said loans along with the interest were delayed due to circumstances beyond
the control of the Company and the same was reported to RBI in APRs. Further there was an
delay in reporting to RBI, due to oversight, which was inadvertent on the part of the
Company. Upon reporting of the same to RBI the Company was advised to approach for
compounding of the said non-compliance.
The Company filed the compounding application with RBI relating to the contravention of
provisions of Regulation 15 of Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of any
Foreign Security) Regulations, 2004, in relation to delayed/non-repatriation of dues and
RBI vide its order dated July 27, 2023, agreed to compound the contravention upon
payment of Rs. 50,14,407/-(Rupees Fifty Lacs Fourteen Thousand Four Hundred and Seven
Only) by the Company. The Company has duly paid the said amount on August 9, 2023, which
has been acknowledged by RBI vide their certificate of payment dated August 17,
2023, and accordingly the issue was compounded.
Cost Auditor
In compliance with the requirements of Section 148 of the Act read with Companies (Cost
Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, Chandra Wadhwa & Co., (Firm Registration No. 000239),
Cost Accountants, were appointed to carry out Audit of Cost Records of the Company for the
FY 2023-24. The Cost Auditors have issued their unqualified report for the financial year
2023- 24, which has been taken on record by the Audit Committee and the Board of the
Company at their Meeting held on August 13, 2024.
The Board of your Company on the basis of the recommendation of the Audit Committee, at
its meeting held on May 27, 2024, had approved the re-appointment of Chandra Wadhwa &
Co., (Firm Registration No. 000239), Cost Accountants, as the Cost Auditors for the
Financial Year 2024-25.
Requisite proposal seeking ratification of remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor for
the FY 2024-25 by the Members as per Section 148 read with Rule 14 of Companies (Audit and
Auditors) Rules, 2014, forms part of the Notice of ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Internal Auditor
Protiviti Advisory India Member LLP were the Internal Auditor of the Company for the FY
2023-24. For each of the financial year, an audit plan is rolled out with the approval of
the Audit Committee. The said plan is devised in consultation with the Statutory Auditor.
The plan is aimed at evaluation of the efficacy and adequacy of internal control systems
and compliance thereof, robustness of internal processes, policies and accounting
procedures and compliance with laws and regulations. Based on the reports of internal
audit, process owners undertake corrective action in their respective areas. Audit
observations and corrective actions are periodically presented to the audit committee of
the Board.
The Audit Committee at its meeting held on May 27, 2024, recommended to the Board the
appointment of S M A M & Co, Chartered Accountants (FRN: 028845C), as the Internal
Auditor of the Company for the FY 2024-25. Basis the recommendation of the Audit
Committee, the Board, at its meeting held on May 27, 2024, has appointed S M A M & Co,
as the Internal Auditor of the Company for the FY 2024-25 and also approved the scope and
the audit plan.
Reporting of frauds by Auditors
During the year under review, the Auditors have not reported any instances of frauds
committed in the Company by its Officers or Employees to the Audit Committee under Section
143(12) of the Act.
14. DISCLOSURES: i. Particulars of Loans, guarantees and investments: Particulars
of Loans, guarantees and investments made by the Company required under Section 186(4) of
the Act and the Listing Regulations are contained in Note no. 57 & 58 to the
Standalone Financial Statement. ii. Transactions with Related Parties: In terms of
the applicable statutory provisions, the related party transactions are placed before the
Audit Committee for its approval and statements of all related party transactions are
placed before the Audit Committee for its review on a quarterly and yearly basis,
specifying the nature, value and terms and conditions of the transactions along with
arms-length justification. All Related Party Transactions entered during the year were in
Ordinary Course of the Business and on Arm's Length basis. During the year under review,
there have been no materially significant related party transactions as defined under
Section 188 of the Act and Regulations 23 of the Listing Regulations and accordingly no
transactions are required to be reported in Form AOC-2 as per Section 188 of the Act. iii.
Disclosure under Section 197(14) of the Act: During the FY 2023-24, none of the
Executive Directors of the Company received any remuneration or commission from its
holding or subsidiary company. iv. Secretarial Standards: Pursuant to the
provisions of Section 118 of the Act, the Company has complied with the applicable
provisions of the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of
India.
v. Risk Management: Your Company follows a comprehensive system of Risk Management.
It has adopted a policy and procedure for rapid identification, definition of risk
mitigation plans and execution. Actions include adjustments in prices, dispatch plan,
inventory build-up, and active participation in regulatory mechanisms. Many of these risks
can be foreseen through systematic tracking. Your Company has also defined operational
processes to ensure that risks are identified and the operating management are responsible
for identifying and implementing mitigation plans for operational and process risk. Key
strategic and business risks are identified and managed by senior management team. The
Risks and their mitigation plans are updated and reviewed periodically by the Audit
Committee and integrated in the Business plan for each year. The details of Constitution,
scope and meetings of the Risk Management Committee forms part of the Corporate Governance
Report. In the opinion of the Board there are no risks that may threaten the existence of
the Company. vi. Internal Financial Controls and their adequacy: Your company has
an effective internal control and risk mitigation system, which is constantly assessed and
strengthened with standard operating procedures and which ensures that all the assets of
the Company are safeguarded & protected against any loss, prevention and detection of
frauds and errors, ensuring accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, timely
preparation of reliable financial information and that all transactions are properly
authorized and recorded. The Company has laid down procedures to inform audit committee
and board about the risk assessment and mitigation procedures, to ensure that the
management controls risk through means of a properly defined framework. The Audit
Committee evaluates the internal financial control system periodically and deals with
accounting matters, financial reporting and periodically reviews the Risk Management
Process. vii. Deposits: Your Company has not accepted any public deposit under
Chapter V of the Act.
viii. Transfer to Investor Education and Protection Fund: During the year under
review, the Company was not required to transfer any amount to Investor Education and
Protection Fund. ix. Unclaimed Dividend/Shares: As on March 31, 2024, 58,447 (Fifty
Eight thousand Four hundred and Forty Seven) Unclaimed Equity Shares of the Company are
lying in the Demat Account of the Company. Necessary steps were taken in Compliance with
the Listing Regulations, for sending the necessary reminders to the claimant of the said
shares, at the address available in the data base of the Depository/Company.
Further, the Interim Dividend declared by the Company which remains unpaid or
unclaimed, has been transferred by the Company to Dish TV India Limited
unpaid Interim Dividend FY 2018-19' account and will be due for transfer to the Investor
Education and Protection Fund on completion of seven (7) years.
x. Transfer to General Reserve: During the FY under review, no amount has been
transferred to the General Reserve of the Company. xi. Extract of Annual Return:
The Annual return in form MGT-7 as required under Section 92 of the Act read with
Companies (Management & Administration) Rules, 2014, is provided on the website of the
Company at https://www. dishd2h.com/. xii. Sexual Harassment: The Company has zero
tolerance for Sexual Harassment at workplace. The company has complied with the provisions
relating to the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment
of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Company has
constituted Internal Complaint(s) Committee functioning at various locations to redress
complaints regarding sexual harassment and has adopted a Policy on prevention of Sexual
Harassment in line with the provisions of The Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013'. During the year under
review, no complaint was received by the Company. xiii. Regulatory Orders:
During the FY 2023-24, the Company had filed a compounding application with the Reserve
Bank of India relating to the contravention of provisions of Regulation 15 of Foreign
Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of any Foreign Security) Regulations, 2004, in
relation to delayed/non-repatriation of dues in the form of loan and interest receivable
from its overseas joint venture viz. Dish T V Lanka (Private) Limited. The Reserve
Bank of India vide its order dated July 27, 2023, agreed to compound the
contravention upon payment of Rs. 50,14,407/- (Rupees Fifty Lacs Fourteen Thousand Four
Hundred and Seven Only) by the Company. The Company has duly paid the said amount on
August 9, 2023, which has acknowledged by RBI vide their certificate of payment
dated August 17, 2023, and accordingly the issue was compounded.
There has been no significant or material orders which were passed by the regulators or
courts or tribunals which impact the going concern status and Company's operations in
future.
15. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNING AND OUTGO
Your Company is in the business of providing Direct-to-Home (DTH') services.
Since the said activity does not involve any manufacturing activity, most of the
Information required to be provided under Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with the
Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, are not applicable. However, the information, as
applicable is given hereunder:
Conservation of Energy:
Your Company, being a service provider, requires minimal energy consumption and every
endeavor made to ensure optimal use of energy, avoid wastages and conserve energy as far
as possible.
Technology Absorption:
In its endeavor to deliver the best to its viewers and business partners, your Company
is constantly active in harnessing and tapping the latest and best technology in the
industry.
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo:
During the year under review, your Company had foreign exchange earnings of Rs. 273
Lakhs and outgo of Rs. 1,358 Lakhs.
16. CREDIT RATINGS
Acuit? Rating and Research, a Credit rating agency vide its communication dated
January 4, 2023, had assigned & withdrawn ACUITE BB- for long term bank facilities of
the Company. Acuit? had downgraded & withdrawn the rating considering the decline in
business performance, lack of clarity on change in management and contingency of disputed
license fees liabilities materialising.
The Company has successfully repaid its entire working capital facility, ensuring that
there are no outstanding amounts under this facility. Recognizing this significant
financial milestone, CARE (Credit Analysis and Research Limited), a prominent credit
rating agency, vide its communication dated December 7, 2023, has officially
withdrawn the rating for the Company's short-term loans of the Company.
17. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Human Resource Management has been one of the key priorities for your company. While
harmonizing people practices, the strategic approach had been to adopt best aspects, align
to the market-best practices and build a future ready organization. The Company believes
that the key to excellent business results is a committed talent pool. Human resources are
the most critical element responsible for growth and the Company acknowledges their
contribution and works towards their satisfaction as a top priority. The HR policies
continually strive towards attracting, retaining, and developing the best talent required
for the business to grow. Regular training is conducted for the employees to ensure skill
upgradation and personal development throughout the various organizational levels.
Dish TV values its talent pool and works hard to retain its best talent by providing
ample opportunities to grow. The Company focuses on providing opportunity for the
development and enhancing the skill sets of its employees at all levels of the business.
Several workshops have been conducted for employees across the country, so they understand
and exhibit the values of the Company in their work and behavior. Continuous training
program for upgradation of skill and behavioural maturity has been imparted which helped
in keeping the optimization and moral of the Organisation at a higher level. Town hall
sessions were conducted for better interactivity, understanding issues faced by the
employees and providing solutions.
Your Directors place on record their appreciation for the significant contribution made
by all employees, who through their competence, dedication, hard work, co-operation and
support have contributed to the business operations of the Company.
Particulars of Employees
As on March 31, 2024, the total numbers of permanent employees on the records of the
Company were 341. The information required under Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule
5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014, along with statement showing names and other particulars of the
employees drawing remuneration in excess of the limits prescribed under the said rules is
annexed to this report.
18. DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
In terms of and pursuant to Section 134 of the Act, in relation to the Annual Financial
Statements for the FY 2023-24, your Directors state and confirm that: a) The Financial
Statements of the Company comprising of the Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2024 and the
Statement of Profit & Loss for the year ended on that date, have been prepared on a
going concern basis;
b) In the preparation of these Financial Statements, the applicable accounting
standards have been followed and there are no material departures; c) Accounting policies
selected were applied consistently and the judgments and estimates related to the
financial statements have been made on a prudent and reasonable basis, so as to give a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at March 31, 2024, and, of
the losses of the Company for the year ended on that date; d) Proper and sufficient care
has been taken for maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the
provisions of the Act, to safeguard the assets of the Company and for preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities; e) Requisite internal financial controls are
laid down and that such financial controls are adequate and operating effectively; and
f) Proper systems have been devised to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws and such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
19. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY REPORT & MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Regulation 34 of SEBI Listing Regulations requires the Company to annex a Business
Responsibility and Sustainability Report describing the initiatives taken by them from an
environmental, social and governance perspective, in the format as specified by the Board
from time to time. The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR') has
been prepared and forms part of the Annual Report as an Annexure.
The Management Discussion and Analysis report is separately attached hereto and forms
an integral part of this Annual Report. The said report gives details of the overall
industry structure, economic developments, performance and state of affairs of your
Company's business and other material developments during the FY under review.
20. DETAILS OF APPLICATION MADE OR ANY PROCEEDING PENDING UNDER IBC, IF ANY
No such application under IBC has been filed or pending against the Company, during the
year under review.
21. DETAILS OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMOUNT OF THE VALUATION DONE AT THE TIME OF ONE TIME
SETTLEMENT AND
WHILE TAKING LOAN, ALONG WITH THE REASONS THEREOF:
There has been neither any delay / default in repayment obligation towards financial
institutions nor the Company has entered into any One-time settlement with any financial
institution, during the year under review.
22. INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS
The Company maintained healthy, cordial and harmonious industrial relations at all
levels. The enthusiasm and unstinting efforts of the employees have enabled the Company to
remain competitive and relevant in the industry. The Company also has taken various steps
not only to improve the productivity across the organization but also has ventured into
new and innovative products.
23. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Statements in this Report, particularly those which relate to Management Discussion and
Analysis, describing the Company's objectives, projections, estimates and expectations,
may constitute forward looking statements' within the meaning of applicable laws and
regulations and actual results might differ.
24. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is our strong belief that caring for our business constituents has ensured our
success in the past and will do so in future. Your Directors value the professionalism and
commitment of all employees of the Company and place on record their appreciation of the
contribution made by employees of the Company and its subsidiaries at all levels that has
contributed to your Company's success. Your Directors acknowledge with sincere gratitude
the co-operation and support extended by the Central and State Governments, the Ministry
of Information and Broadcasting (MIB'), the Department of Telecommunication
(DOT'), Ministry of Finance, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
(TRAI'), the Stock Exchanges and other stakeholders including employees,
subscribers, vendors, bankers, investors, service providers/partners as well as other
regulatory and government authorities.
Your Board also takes this opportunity to express its deep gratitude for the continued
co-operation and support received from its valued stakeholders.