In its final verdict in Contempt Petition in OA no. 331/2008, the Karnatka
High
Court while delivering its decision ensured that the Ministry of Information
&
Broadcasting passes down instructions for upgrading Dr. Mahesh Joshi, Sr
Director as Deputy Director General in Doordarshan by July 14, 2010.
The Court was assured that necessary instructions
had already been issued by the
Secretary, I & B to CEO, Prasar Bharati and DG, Doordarshan for
compliance.
Assuring the Court, M Ravindran, ASG stated that the petitioner would be
redesignated and copy of office order placed before the Court.
This brings curtains on the ambiguity created by Prasar Bharati on placing
junior officers on deputation above the departmental officers despite their
grades/scales being either equal or below. This had been causing consternation
in the IBPS cadre which was long demanding fair play and honour in its services
which was approved by Prasar Bharati Board as far back as 2003. Even in the
instant case, it is learnt that two prominent officers on deputation in
Doordarshan opposed the High Court ruling and even allegedly mislead the
Ministry officials to go in for Appeal which was once for all decided by
Secretary.
Not only has this, sources in the Ministry also confirmed that the
Secretary had asked for responsibility to be fixed on Officers who despite
Ministry’s opposition and Law Ministry’s advice, went ahead in the Court and
invited Contempt proceedings. It is believed the time bound enquiry is being
held up in Prasar Bharati Secretariat for reasons only CEO knows !
While this shall have a cascading effect where the present DDGs ( those in the
scale of Joint Secretary, GOI) shall have to be elevated as ADGs to maintain
seniority and all junior officers brought up in the cadre bringing in relief to
many stagnated officers for years.
