SC asks CBI director Alok Verma to file response on CVC report, next hearing on November 20

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday asked CBI director Alok Verma to file his response to CVC's uncomplimentary parts of the report by November 19.

The SC posted the matter for further hearing on November 20.

After the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) submitted its report, a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that the CVC report is "very uncomplimentary" on some charges against Verma and said a further probe was needed on some aspects.

It said that the report and response are being kept in a sealed cover so as to maintain the sanctity of CBI's image in public.

The SC was hearing Verma's plea challenging the government's order divesting him of his duties and sending him on leave in view of allegations of corruption against him.

The SC gave the copy of CVC report to Verma in a sealed cover and gave him time for his response in a sealed cover. Verma's counsel Fali Nariman said the earlier it is resolved, the better it is.

The apex court said the CVC report should also be given to Attorney General KK Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. It, however, refused to give the inquiry report to CBI special director Rakesh Asthana.

The SC also said it will decide later on applications filed by CBI DSP AK Bassi, who has been transferred to Port Blair, and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge who questioned the Centre's decision to ask Alok Verma to go on leave.

The SC also deferred consideration of the matter relating to a decision taken by acting CBI director Nageswara Rao as well as applications filed by Hyderabad-based businessman and accused in Moin Qureshi and Sathish Babu Sana case.

The allegations have been levelled against Verma by his deputy Asthana, against whom an FIR has been lodged by the CBI on graft charges. Asthana was also sent on leave by the Centre.

The CVC probe against Verma was supervised by former Supreme Court judge AK Patnaik and the probe was completed on November 10. On October 26, the top court had appointed Justice Patnaik to supervise the ongoing enquiry of CVC against Verma.

The apex court had issued notices to the Centre and the CVC seeking their replies on Verma's petition challenging the government's decision to divest him of his powers as CBI chief and sending him on leave.

The CVC was directed by the court to conduct an enquiry into the allegations made in the August 24 note/letter of the Cabinet Secretary with regard to Verma.

Asthana has also moved the apex court with a separate petition in the matter and has sought removal of Verma from the post of CBI Director.

(With agency inputs)