SC reinstates CBI chief Alok Verma, who was sent on forced leave

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday restored Alok Verma as Central Bureau of Investigation Director. However, he will not be able to take major policy decisions till CVC inquiry is over.

The apex court reappointed him after setting aside the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) October 23 order. The judgement was pronounced by a bench of Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph.

The Supreme Court stated that “The government should have referred to the Select Committee consisting of the Chief Justice of India, Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition to initiate Alok Verma’s removal.”

His two-year tenure as CBI Director ends on January 31. The top court also stated the High Power Committee under DSPE Act to act within a week to consider his case.

Earlier the special Director Rakesh Asthana and Alok Verma were at loggerheads on several issues and accused each other of blocking investigation of several important cases.