Terms & Conditions

HT - The Next Voice - TERMS & CONDITIONS (T&C)

THESE TERMS & CONDITIONS (hereinafter referred to as the "T&C") are applicable to all the participants/contestants of the "HT - The Next Voice" (hereinafter referred to as the "Competition") promoted / organized by HT Media Ltd (HTML).

Overview

• The HT – The Next Voice Competition (hereinafter referred to as "Competition") is being conducted by HTML on a special page on the HT website (https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-the-next-voice).
• All residents of India are eligible to participate, irrespective of region, gender, caste, religion, etc.
• Users can participate by uploading videos in predefined categories.
• Only entries received on the HT - The Next Voice portal will be considered.

Contest Duration

• Entry Submission: 10^th June 2025 – 31^st August 2025
• HTML reserves the right to modify the contest duration at its sole discretion.

Entry Requirements

• Participants can access the contest through the designated HT page.
• Only entries received via The Next Voice portal will be considered.
• Each participant may select a category, upload as many videos per category, and provide a title and caption for each.
• Participant needs to pay a one-time registration fee of Rs. 199/- per entry submission.
• Accepted file format is MP4.
• Each video must be original and captured by the participant. Videos sourced from the internet, created by others, or in violation of copyright laws will lead to disqualification.
• Content for the spoken word and storytelling entry will be checked for plagiarism.
• Videos depicting violence, explicit content, or any sensitive subject matter that may be deemed inappropriate will not be considered and may lead to disqualification.
• Incomplete or partially filled entries will not be accepted.

Finality of Submission

• Once uploaded, entries are final; editing or deletion is not allowed.
• Approved entries will appear on participants' dashboards.

Voting Process

• Voting Period: Opens from October'25 onwards and remains open until 1st week of October, 2025.
• Each user can vote only once per video but may vote on multiple videos.
• Automated or fraudulent voting is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.

Voices that Inspire: Terms & Conditions

• All submissions within the competition period are automatically eligible for Voices that Inspire. Only entries meeting the competition guidelines are considered.
• Entries are chosen based on creativity, relevance to the theme, and quality as determined by the editorial team. Editors' decisions are final.
• One entry will be selected each week throughout the competition period and featured in the Voices that Inspire section.
• Selected participants will be notified via email or the platform's messaging system and may be highlighted on the contest page and Hindustan Times' social channels.
• By participating, contestants grant Hindustan Times the rights to use the selected entries for promotional purposes.
• Voices that Inspire is an honorary title and does not imply additional prizes, monetary compensation, or advantages in the main contest.
• Hindustan Times reserves the right to amend or terminate this feature at its discretion.

Winner Selection

• A jury of editorial will review entries to shortlist for the Semi Finale.
• Finalists will be selected based on jury evaluation and public votes.
• Winners will be selected by the special jury invited by the editorial.
• Winner Announcement: November 2025

Announcement of Winners

• Winners will be announced in November 2025 on the HT – The Next Voice platform.
• Best 3 videos in each category will get rewards:

• Winner: Rs. 75,000
• 1st runner up: Rs. 50,000
• 2nd runner up: Rs. 25,000

• The above stated winners shall also get publication opportunities in the Hindustan Times published newspaper.
• Every participant, semi-finalist, finalist, and winner receive an official certificate from Hindustan Times.

Notification & Claiming Prizes

• Winners will be announced at the offline on-ground event conducted tentatively in October/November, 2025.
• If contacted by phone, HTML will make only one attempt. Non-response will forfeit the prize, and an alternate winner may be selected.
• Winners must submit contact details and a valid ID (Aadhaar, School ID Card) to claim the prize.
• Prize collection details will be provided upon confirmation.

Prize Terms

• Prizes are non-negotiable, non-transferable, non-refundable, and not exchangeable for cash or credit.
• HTML reserves the right to substitute or modify prizes as necessary with a similar value prize without prior notice.
• Winners will be liable to pay the taxes and other statutory fees (if any) as applicable on the Prize. Tax deductible at source under Income Tax Act is applicable for any prize exceeding the value of Rs. 10,000/-. The Winner is liable to bear all related costs and charges incurred during collection, acceptance or avail of the Prize. At no point Winner shall make HTML liable or responsible for any additional charges to be paid by the Winner for claiming/availing the prizes.

Additional Conditions for Winners

• Winners may be asked to provide testimonials, which may be featured on social media or in print.
• HTML is not responsible for any delay, loss, or damage during prize delivery. Identification may be required upon receipt.

General Terms & HTML Discretion

• Right to Modify or Cancel: HTML may cancel, suspend, or modify the Contest or T&Cs at any time without prior notice.
• Decision Finality: All HTML management decisions regarding Competition rules, winner selection, and prize allocation are final.
• Publicity: HTML may use participants' names, likenesses, and statements for Competition-related promotional purposes without additional compensation.

Disqualification & Liability

• Grounds for Disqualification: Engaging in fraudulent activities, tampering with the Competition, or violating T&Cs may result in disqualification.
• Liability Waiver: HTML, its vendors, and affiliates are not liable for any damages incurred by participants, or third parties related to the Competition or prize acceptance.
• Indemnification: Participants indemnify HTML and its affiliates against claims arising from breaches of T&Cs or related to their Competition entry or any claim on the entry/photo uploaded by them.
• Release of Liability: By entering, participants release HTML from claims or demands arising from participation in the Competition or prize acceptance.

Intellectual Property Rights

• Participants grant HTML all the rights on the entry uploaded including but not limited to the right to use, modify, adapt, publish, and distribute entries worldwide for promotional purposes without any compensation.

Additional Legal Terms

• Force Majeure: HTML is not liable for failures caused by events beyond its control, such as natural disasters or governmental actions.
• Governing Law: These T&Cs are governed by Indian law, with jurisdiction in the courts of Delhi.
• Language: These T&Cs are drafted in English, which shall govern their interpretation.
• Independent Contractor: Nothing in these T&Cs creates a partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between participants and HTML.

Suggestions and Ideas

• Non-Confidentiality: These submissions are not treated as confidential, and HTML can share them freely.
• No Obligation: HTML has no obligation to review, adopt, or credit these suggestions, even if similar ideas are used.
• No Compensation: Participants will not receive any financial or other compensation for their suggestions.
• Rights and Usage: HTML may use, modify, and publish these entries in any way, with no obligation to the participant.
• Waiver of Claims: Participants waive any copyright or proprietary rights over submitted entries, allowing HTML unrestricted use.