Litigation Against Fixing Bifr Members Tenure

The public interest litigation, lodged with the high court, has been listed for hearing soon.

A proposal to grant at least a five year term to BIFR members, including the chairman, had been forwarded by the finance ministry under Manmohan Singh.

The proposal was, however, rejected by the Narshimha Rao government.

Shourie said, under the provisions of the Sick Industries Company Act (SICA), a member can be appointed to the post up to five years. Since the Act does not specify a definite period, the membership tenure is being fixed at the whims of the ministry.

He pointed out that some BIFR members remain in office only for a period of six months to one year whereas others are appointed for a period of three years.