The Supreme Court on Friday said that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report has some "complimentary" and "very uncomplimentary" charges against CBI director Alok Verma. The SC gave Verma, who is facing the biggest crisis of his career over alleged corruption charges, 48 hours to respond.
In a sealed cover, the CVC submitted an "exhaustive" report to the SC on a set of allegations against Verma made by his deputy, CBI special director Rakesh Asthana. Not making the report public in the interest of preserving the sanctity and public confidence of the CBI, the SC bench, also comprising Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph, classified the findings of CVC under four heads – complimentary, very complimentary, not so complimentary and very uncomplimentary.
Worried about the last two categories of allegations, the bench said that they required further investigation. The SC considered it appropriate to share the findings with Verma and seek his response on it. This is crucial as any order on investigation will threaten Verma's continuation in office.
The SC told senior advocate Fali Nariman appearing for Verma, "This report can be given in a sealed cover to you. You give your response in a sealed cover by Monday. We will hear the matter on Tuesday (November 20)." The SC noted that this decision was a "one time measure" considering the unprecedented situation it was faced with.
Attorney-General KK Venugopal who represented the Centre also sought a copy of the report and so did Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who ironically represented the CVC. The bench agreed to their request.
Asthana, who too was sent on forced leave with Verma, sought a copy of the report but was denied. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appearing for Asthana said, "It is I who started it. This is not a case concerning security of nation to be kept under cover." But the bench was firm on its stand. "We don't think you are entitled to get the report," the CJI said.
The hearing also witnessed an application moved by CBI deputy superintendent of police (DSP) AK Bassi who was shunted to Port Blair. He was the investigating officer probing the role of Asthana in a case of alleged bribery lodged by CBI. Initially the bench remarked, "You are the officer who has been sent to the Andaman and Nicobar Island. It's a good place to go."
The SC later decided to hear Bassi's lawyer senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan on Tuesday.
The Court even received a separate sealed cover report from CBI on the decisions taken by acting CBI director M Nageshwara Rao from the time he took office on October 23 till October 26. Since another PIL filed by NGO Common Cause alleged Rao of violating the court order, the SC gave liberty to the NGO to file details to prove this charge as the CBI document did not disclose any wrong.
FROM THE COURTROOM
- SC gives Alok Verma 48 hours to respond to CVC report findings
- SC bench classifies CVC’s findings as – complimentary, very complimentary, not so complimentary and very uncomplimentary
- Bench allows Alok Verma’s lawyer and Attorney-General KK Venugopal to take a copy of the CVC report
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 "Alok Verma")
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