CBI Row: CJI Gogoi Directs CVC to Complete Inquiry in 2 Weeks

New Delhi, 26-10-2018:The Supreme Court has begun hearing Alok Verma’s petition against his forced removal from the position of CBI Chief today. Verma had moved the Supreme Court against the Centre’s decision on Wednesday, 24 October.

Fali Nariman is representing Alok Verma while Attorney General KK Venugopal will be representing the Centre. The Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will appear for the Central Vigilance Commission. Rakesh Asthana will be represented by former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi.

Top Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials are at war after bribery allegations surfaced against Special Director Rakesh Asthana. In a midnight move, the Government of India issued a notification which sent CBI Director Alok Verma, along with Asthana on temporary leave.

The Supreme Court appointed one of its former judges,Justice A.K.Patnaik to supervise the inquiry into the allegations against CBI Director Alok Verma while giving two weeks time to the CVC to complete the inquiry.

Snapshots:

M Nageswar Rao will serve as the interim Director of CBI.

The CBI Director is appointed by a committee made up of PM,Leader of opposition and the CJI.

 The CBI Director has a protected tenure of two years which raises questions about whether he can be sent  on leave.