In direct conflict of interest with his family’s satellite TV business, former communications and IT minister Dayanidhi Maran took complete control of granting spectrum to satellite channels and telecom firms with the stroke of a pen. Spectrum is the lifeline of any telecom and satellite network. HT is in possession of documents that show Maran directed the secretary of the telecommunications department (DoT) to issue a note that all the cases for grant of spectrum would be approved by the minister.