Prasar Bharati CEO B S Lalli will face a Supreme Court inquiry into charges of administrative and financial irregularities against him following a Presidential reference.
The assent to the Presidential reference, sought by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, sets in process the process of removal of the controversial 1971 IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, who has had a running feud with the Prasar Bharati Board.
This is the first time the CEO of Prasar Bharati is being sought to be removed under the provisions of the law that was made two decades ago.
Reacting to the Presidential reference, Lalli said "a lot of intrigue and mischief" was going on within the organisation against him that was "abetted and encouraged" by powerful elements from outside. He, however, hoped that the inquiry by the Supreme Court would get finalised quickly so that the "true picture is known to the public at large".
According to the Prasar Bharati law, the chairman or a member of Prasar Bharati 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.
The member (executive) is the chief executive of the public broadcaster. Pending an inquiry, the CEO can be placed under suspension as per the provisions of the Act.
Lalli, who assumed the CEO's office in December 2006, was indicted by the Central Vigilance Commission which accused him of breach of Parliamentary privilege, giving undue favours to some broadcast companies and financial mismanagement.
The Presidential reference to the apex court for instituting an inquiry into the charges against him sets in motion his removal process. Reacting to the presidential reference, BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu said the action is "too late". "It is too late. It is also part of the loot. We are saying it earlier also about CWG... one after another is happening," he told reporters outside Parliament. "It is all because of the pressure by the Opposition in Parliament all these things are happening. Otherwise the government was totally unmoved," Naidu said and added "he (Lalli) should go if he has committed any mistake."
Welcoming the decision, SP leader Mohan Singh said "This is a good
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