The Delhi High Court has ordered a stay on the Centre’s decision to sack Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation Nina Lath Gupta, The Indian Express reported on Saturday. The court ordered the stay “last week”, the report said, quoting unidentified officials.
Gupta reported back at work on Friday, her office said. She has been in the position since 2006.
On February 27, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had fired Gupta for alleged irregularities and for not following “prescribed procedures” while running the government company. The ministry had asked Gupta to leave “with immediate effect”, without letting her serve the three months’ notice period. Instead, it decided to pay her three months’ salary, The Indian Express had reported on March 1, quoting unidentified officials.
The ministry’s primary reason for firing Gupta was reportedly that the National Film Development Corporation was charging high commissions to conduct government events.
Gupta also allegedly released advertisements to a few private channels beyond the 5% limit prescribed in the Electronic Media Policy. Under her charge, the National Film Development Corporation was also accused of not refunding a 15% commission to ministries that issue advertisements through it. She also allegedly did not follow the process of using funds to restore films, the Hindustan Times reported.
Gupta has not responded to the action against her yet.
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