The Supreme Court on Tuesday reinstated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma, cancelling the government’s October order to divest him as the chief of the probe agency. But the top court ruled that Alok Verma cannot take any major policy decisions till the selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews the probe report against him and decides on his continuation.
The top court has given this selection committee, which also comprises the Chief Justice of India and leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, one week to meet and discuss whether Verma needs to be removed or not.
In its order pronounced by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, the Supreme Court said that it intends to maintain the independence of the Central Bureau of Investigation.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had on December 6 reserved its judgment after hearing arguments on behalf of Verma, the Centre and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The same bench delivered the judgment on Tuesday.
It said that a legislation exists and it intends to protect and insulate the office of the CBI director.
“The transfer of the director without the consent of the selection committee negates the legislative intent that is to ensure independence of CBI,” the court said.
“Within a week, the selection committee, led by the PM, will meet and look into the aspect of whether Verma needs to be removed or not,” the court.
At the same time, the court also placed a restriction on Alok Verma saying that till the time the selection committee does not reach its decision, he will “cease and desist” from taking any major policy decisions.
“Only administrative decisions can be taken as in day-to-day working,” the court said.