Apple silent over Jobs' health

NEW YORK, USA: The mystery over Apple chief Steve Jobs' coming back to work is over, as the company officially announced that he is back at work after a nearly six-month medical leave and a lever transplant.

But the company's silence over the actual health condition of Jobs and what would be his responsibilities in the company will fuel debate over the company's disclosure practices, says a media report.

The silence of Apple in this regard has already drawn the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), 'The Wall Street Journal' reported on Tuesday. The SEC, which opened an informal probe earlier this year, is continuing to look at the issue, the report said quoting people familiar with the situation.

Apple's board has also reportedly hired outside counsel to represent it regarding disclosures after the launch of the probe.

Attributing to some governance experts, the report said that Jobs' return would likely revive controversy over the Apple board's failure to disclose his liver transplant surgery and his post-surgical prognosis.

Apple and its directors have consistently kept a tight lid on Jobs' health, even though the CEO is regarded as key to the company's strategy and direction, it said.