President gives assent for SC inquiry into charges against Lalli

NEW DELHI: The President has given her assent for a Supreme Court inquiry into charges of financial mismanagement against controversial Prasar Bharti CEO B S Lalli.

Official sources said President Pratibha Patil's assent came on a reference made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as required under the Prasar Bharti Act.

Pending inquiry, the chief executive officer can be placed under suspension as per the provisions of the Act.

The Presidential reference to the apex court for instituting an inquiry into the charges against him sets in motion his removal process.

The controversial 1971 batch IAS officer of UP cadre, Lalli has been having a feud with the Prasar Bharti Board on running the organisation.

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.