NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has referred to the Central Administrative Tribunal a petition challenging the decision of Prasar Bharati de-recognising all associations of employees.

The Court said after hearing the matter for three days that all cases under Service Rules should be heard by the Tribunal and should only come to the Court if there is an appeal.

On commencement of the hearing on 23 September, the Court had rejected a plea by counsel for the pubcaster seeking dismissal of the plea.

According to the petitioners, nine associations of employees were formally recognised by the management and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry which has been talking to their representatives on various issues.

 
However, an order issued on 8 September said no association of employees of the pubcaster is recognised and, therefore, no employee can be given preferential treatment.

It further said all employees are to be treated in a fair and transparent manner and nullified an earlier order issued by Director General of All India Radio on 18 December 2008.
The staff of All India Radio and Doordarshan protested against this move and observed a day-long dharna from 10 am to 5 pm without disrupting work on 21 September.