The Supreme Court on Monday (04-07-2011) directed BS Lalli, former Prasar Bharti Chief, to file his rejoinder over the CBI probe report on alleged irregularities conducted by him during his tenure.

The order of the Apex Court by the Bench of Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia, Justice KS Panicker Radhakrishnan, and Justice Swatanter Kumar came after the central government filed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe report before the court.

The Bench also directed Supreme Court Registrar Sunil Thomas to record the oral evidence submitted by Lalli after he files his rejoinder. “BS Lalli is directed by the Bench to file his rejoinder by 8 August” the Bench directed.

Earlier the Apex Court had directed the central government to file the CBI probe report on alleged irregularities conducted by former Prasar Bharti Chief BS Lalli during his tenure.

The direction of the apex court came after the central government made submission indicating the alleged irregularities conducted by Lalli. The court had, in a preliminary hearing on February 14 last sought the government's response in this regard.

BS Lalli has been charged with favouring certain broadcasting channels causing huge revenue loss to Prasar Bharti. The statement also says that he had hired certain lawyers having association with his son for Prasar Bharti and paid them fees much beyond the rates prescribed by Prasar Bharti.

BS Lalli, a 1971 batch of Indian Administrative Service (UP Cadre), was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharti, an autonomous body, on 29 December 2006.

When the allegation of financial and other irregularities came up, a writ petition was filed against Lalli in the Delhi High Court on 27 July 2009. Subsequently, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) submitted its report in the court on 16 July 2010 confirming the allegations.

On 21 December 2010, the President suspended Lalli from office and a reference was made before the Supreme Court on February 14 last. Lalli on his part had requested the apex court to look into the matter expeditiously as he was retiring on December this year.

The Chairman of Prasar Bharti can be removed from office only by order from the President of India, if the Supreme Court upholds the charge.

During the hearing, senior counsel KK Venugopal appeared for Lalli and Additional Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran appeared on behalf of the Central Government.

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