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The Supreme Court today sought from the Centre evidence on alleged irregularities committed by former Prasar Bharati CEO, Mr B.S. Lalli.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice Mr S.H. Kapadia asked the Government to file a statement of facts relating to Mr Lalli’s suspension within four weeks and asked the former public broadcaster chief to respond to it within next three weeks.
The Bench passed the order on a Presidential reference to sack Mr Lalli, a 1971-batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre. Mr Lalli urged the court to expeditiously hear the reference in view of his retirement in December this year.
The President, Ms Pratibha Patil, had on December 21 last ordered Mr Lalli’s suspension.
The allegations against him included the controversial decision to give a contract for broadcast of the Commonwealth Games to a UK-based firm SIS Live.
The presidential action came after the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) forwarded to Ms Patil a letter by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry recommending that Mr Lalli be suspended.
According to the Prasar Bharati Act, the Chairman or a Member of PB can only be removed by an order of the President on the ground of misbehaviour after the Supreme Court holds an inquiry following a reference to it.
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