The Supreme Court on Friday turned down CBI special director Rakesh Asthana's demand to have a copy of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report against CBI director Alok Verma. Asthana had lodged a complaint against Verma.
Asthana's trouble began when his counsel senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi demanded a copy of the classified CVC report in his capacity as complainant. An annoyed bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi said: "We will give it to Attorney General, but Mr Rohatgi, your client won't get it." Rohatgi asserted he too should be given a chance to respond as it was his complaint to the Cabinet Secretary that got forwarded to the CVC.
He alleged Verma had taken a bribe of Rs two crore from a businessman for not questioning him in a case. Rohatgi further said that no national security interest would be harmed if the report was shared with him.
Incensed by Rohatgi's submission, the bench in a harsh tone replied, "Under what authority did you complain to Cabinet Secretary."
This made an otherwise vehement Rohatgi to quietly take his place. Moreover, the CJI-headed bench had appointed a retired SC judge AK Patnaik to monitor the CVC probe.
The retired judge in a separate note to Court expressed satisfaction about the inquiry.