HC asks MRTPC to probe 'KBC fraud'

New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today directed the Monopolis and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) to probe the allegations of malpractices by the producers of Shah Rukh Khan-presented Kaun Banega Crorepati(KBC) on Star Plus.

A division Bench of Justices Vikramajit Sen and J P Singh said, ''Keeping in view the contentions of the parties, importance and gravity of the allegations and larger interest of general public, we deem it fit that the matter should be referred to and investigated by the MRTPC particularly its finances, chances of winning, element of allurement, misrepresentation, fraud and other related allegations.'' The Court directed petitioner Anuj Kumar Bhati and the respondents--producer of the KBC, Star TV and Information and Broadcasting Ministry-- to appear before the MRTPC on May 8 for further hearing.

Mr Bhati in a petition had alleged that the Star TV and producer of KBC have allegedly duped the participants of millions of rupees and are indulging in foul play by selecting their own people to win cash at the show.

Citing examples, Advocate A Guneshwar for the petitioner said India TV, a news channel, on June 26, 2006, and two newspapers, Pioneer and Hindustan subsequently had highlited the bungleing.

The Star TV and producers of the show have allegedly allowed their employees and associates to participate in the show violating their own rules, alleged Bhati.

UNI