Investigate 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' - Court

Televisionpoint.com Correspondent
The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practises Commission (MRTPC) to investigate accusation of financial bungling by the Star Plus channel in its Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) show. A Division Bench of Justice Vikramjit Sen and Justice JP Singh asked the petitioner and the Star Plus to appear before the Commission on May 8.

"Keeping in view the contentions of the parties, importance and gravity of the allegations besides the larger interest of the general public, we deem it fit that the matter should be referred to MRTP Commission for investigation into the finances, chances of winning, element of allurement, misrepresentation, fraud and other related allegations," the Bench said.

"The Commission should implead computer experts or any other person or party who may have the know-how of finding out fraud, tricks or manipulation, if any, in the game," the Bench added.

The order came on a PIL filed by Anuj Kumar Bhati, who had sought a direction to the centre restraining Star India Private Ltd from airing the quiz show, the petitioner also sought refund of the amount he allegedly incurred in his attempt to participate in the show. Bhati told the court that KBC managers only selected the people they wanted as contestants, and where making crore's by duping other hot seat aspirants.

KBC producers Star India's counsel, Punita Bhargava, denied any manipulation and wanted the petition dismissed. But the court said the allegations needed to be probed and asked all parties involved to appear before the MRTPC on May 8.