Section 21: Grant or refusal of licence

21. Grant or refusal of licence (1) The Authority shall, not later than 3 months after the expiry of the period of 21 days specified in section 19 (5), inform the applicant and the objector of— (a) its decision to grant or refuse the application for a licence; and (b) the reasons for its decision. (2) Where the Authority does not, at the end of the period of 3 months specified in subsection (1), make a decision on the application, it shall be deemed to have refused to grant the licence. (3) The Authority may grant a licence subject to such terms and conditions as it may determine and on payment of the prescribed fee. (4) A term or condition specified in subsection (3) may relate to— (a) a requirement that the licensee shall afford, in such manner as may be prescribed, a right of reply to a person whose character, goodwill or reputation has been adversely affected by a broadcast; and (b) the amount of any charge or fee leviable by the licensee from any person who avails himself of the broadcasting service provided by the licensee. (5) Notwithstanding this Act, where the Authority is of the opinion that, by granting an application, the attainment of the objective of promoting a diverse range of radio and television broadcasting services and the pluralist nature of Mauritian culture may be impeded, the Authority may refuse an application. (6) A licensee shall comply with the terms and conditions of a licence. (7) A licensee shall carry out its activities in compliance with the code of conduct specified in the Second Schedule.