Limited options for govt over Prasar Bharati CEO

Oct 25, 2010 - Nitin Mahajan |

New Delhi

Despite several allegations of financial irregularities in the award of broadcasting rights for Commonwealth Games against Prasar Bharati CEO B.S. Lalli, the government has limited options in dealing with him.
The Prasar Bharati Act, which governs the national broadcaster, makes the removal of the CEO extremely difficult. The decision to remove him can only be taken at the PMO level, sources stated.
The procedure for removal of the CEO under the Prasar Bharati Act says that “the CEO can only be removed by the President on the advice of Supreme Court, after a through inquiry by the apex court which has to prima facie establish that the CEO was involved in wrongdoing”.
Official sources stated such a provision was mooted to protect the independence of the national broadcaster when the law was passed. This provision is to protect Prasar Bharati from government or political influence and maintain its autonomy. However, in the wake of serious allegations against Mr Lalli, demands from various quarters have emerged over his removal.
Sources stated that the income-tax department inquiry into the awarding of broadcasting rights appears to have found that London based SIS Live was given the `246 crores contract by Prasar Bharati, despite doubts over its legal status.

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