Apex court curtails Prasar Bharti CEO Lalli’s powers

The Supreme Court on Friday curtailed the exclusive powers of Prasar Bharti’s CEO B Lalli and restrained him from taking any independent executive decision.

The Supreme Court on Friday curtailed the exclusive powers of Prasar Bharti’s CEO B Lalli and restrained him from taking any independent executive decision.

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A bench headed by justice RV Raveendran directed that a three-member team consisting of the CEO and members (finance and personnel) would handle all day-to-day work of the public broadcaster.

It said that the Delhi High Court’s order directing constitution of a three-member committee would be applicable until SC decides Lalli’s appeal against the order.

The court passed the order after it was pointed out that Prasar Bharati secretariat has already passed the order in compliance with the High Court’s verdict.

“Until further order, it is made clear that the direction in the office order of August 20, 2009 issued by Prasar Bharti secretariat under the signature of its CEO stating that all executive powers delegated by the board to the sub-committee comprising the CEO, member (Finance ) and Member (Personnel) shall be implemented,” the bench said.

The court was hearing Lalli’s appeal, challenging the HC order that had directed that the day-to-day work of the public broadcaster would be handled by a three-man team consisting the CEO, Member (Finance) and Member (Personnel) of the Board.

In its interim order on Aug 24, 2009, SC had permitted CVC inquiry in the alleged financial irregularity of the Corporation. This was earlier directed by the HC.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Vivek Tankha informed the court that the CVC report has been received and it has been referred to the law ministry for its view.