New Delhi: The Supreme Court will soon start
cross examination of government witnesses on allegations of financial irregularities against suspended Prasar Bharati CEO B S Lalli.
A bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia asked its
registry to complete the cross examination of government
witnesses within four weeks.
It directed that all the evidence on irregularities be
placed before the Registrar and also asked the former public
broadcaster chief to give his list of witnesses within two
weeks.
The bench passed the order on a Presidential reference
to sack Lalli, a 1971-batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh
cadre.
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 PB 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.
Lalli had earlier refuted all the allegations against him and urged the court to expeditiously hear the reference in view of his retirement in December this year.
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.
Lalli, 67, was suspended after allegations were
levelled against him for financial and administrative
irregularities in award of a contract for broadcast of the
Commonwealth Games to UK-based firm SIS Live.
PTI
