Shivam (my dad), a successful businessman with over 20 years of experience in the telecom industry, sought to expand his network into a new, underserved region in northern India. His company, known for its innovative services, applied for a telecom license to begin operations in this area, hoping to provide affordable and reliable mobile and internet services to the local population. The region has limited connectivity, and my dad’s business plan emphasized boosting digital access for small businesses and remote communities.
However, his application was rejected by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), a quasi-judicial authority responsible for regulating the telecom industry. TRAI cited a violation of specific terms, including incomplete documentation and non-compliance with certain regulatory requirements, such as frequency spectrum usage. He feels that the decision was made without thorough consideration, claiming that all necessary documents were provided, and that his company's past compliance record with telecom regulations is spotless. He also suspects that larger telecom companies may have influenced the decision to limit competition.
Can he challenge the decision in a higher court, arguing that TRAI’s rejection was biased and exceeded its jurisdiction. What powers does a quasijudicial authority like TRAI have in such cases? What are the limitations on the actions of such quasijudicial bodies?