The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a petition challenging extension of the official tenure of Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer B S Lalli, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, an NGO.

The Government pleaded before the HC that an amendment brought in to increase the upper age limit for the post from 62 to 65 years is applicable to the incumbent CEO. The order comes as a relief to Lalli who has faced ire of some members of the Prasar Bharati Board and the NGO during the past several months over functioning of the corporation.

“In the present case the continuation of Mr Lalli in office after April 20, 2009 is not inconsistent with Section 6 (2A),” the Bench said in its order. “If he has not yet completed five years he can continue in office till he so does or attains 65 years whichever is earlier. ”