Information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni is understood to have recommended the removal of Prasar Bharati chief executive office (CEO) BS Lalli after the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) found him guilty of financial and administrative irregularities.

         After the case was referred to it by the Prasar Bharati board, CVC probed seven allegations against Lalli and found him blameworthy on five counts.

       Armed with the CVC report released in July, sources told DNA, Soni recommended the CEO’s removal to prime minister Manmohan Singh in the first week of this month.

      Lalli has been found guilty of serious financial and administrative irregularities in broadcast of sporting events and engagement of legal entities.

           In one case, Prasar Bharati was blamed for breaching parliamentary privileges. Simply put, Lalli tried to mislead parliament.  He even admitted in an interview that he may have committed an error.

          This is the first time that removal of an officer at this level has been recommended. The Prasar Bharati CEO is appointed by a high-powered panel comprising, among others, the prime minister, chairman of Rajya Sabha and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha. The CEO can be removed only if allegations against him/her are established, the file is sent to the president and later referred to the Supreme Court.

      This provision is to protect Prasar Bharati from government influence and maintain its autonomy.