June 13, 2001 15:41: Controversial independent candidate Avtar Lit has been fined £10,000 for broadcasting his political views during his election campaign on the radio station he heads.

The fine imposed by the Radio Authority on the Ealing-Southall candidate Dr Lit concerned two interviews broadcast on Sunrise Radio on March 20.

In one, Dr Lit expressed his views about the political dissatisfaction of people living in Southall, and in the other he outlined his policy proposals for the constituency.

Authority chair Richard Hooper said: "Those who hold radio licences should be in no doubt that they may not use that privileged position to publicise their own views on political matters."

In response, Dr Lit said he did not believe his actions were wrong at the time of his comments because officially Sunrise Radio as a corporation was the licensee, rather than himself individually. But the Radio Authority ruled that because he was the major shareholder he was in breach of the law.

Dr Lit said: "The fine isn't as bad as it could have been. Other stations have been fined as much as £75,000 for the same thing."

The well known businessman came third in Ealing Southall, garnering 12.31 per cent of the votes. The seat was won by Labour's Piara Khabra.