SC asks govt to file CBI report on suspended PB CEO B S Lalli

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today directed the government to file the CBI report on the probe into alleged irregularities committed by suspended Prasar Bharati CEO B S Lalli in running the public broadcaster.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia sought the report within six weeks.

It also asked Lalli to file his response in four weeks on the statement of evidence filed by the government on alleged irregularities committed by him in running Prasar Bharati.

The court granted another four weeks to the government to file its rejoinder to the response of Lalli and posted the matter after eight weeks.

The Supreme Court had on February 14 initiated proceedings on a Presidential reference for Lalli's removal and asked the Centre to place evidence of alleged irregularities committed by him.

The court had also asked the government to file a statement of facts relating to Lalli's irregularities and asked the former public broadcaster chief to respond to it.

Senior Advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for Lalli, had urged the court to expeditiously hear the reference in view of his retirement in December this year.

Lalli, a 1971-batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, was suspended last December.

President Pratibha Patil had on December 21 last ordered Lalli's suspension and made a reference to the apex court for his removal on the recommendation of the government.

According to the Prasar Bharati Act, the Chairman or a Member of Prasar Bharati can be removed only by an order of the President on the ground of misbehaviour after the Supreme Court holds an inquiry following a reference to it.