In a verdict that could be interpreted as a blow to the Narendra Modi government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday reinstated Alok Verma as CBI director, nearly three months after he was sent on leave by the government. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that Verma cannot take major policy decisions as CBI director.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S.K. Kaul and K.M. Joseph gave the verdict on Tuesday. Verma is due to retire as CBI director on January 31.
The Supreme Court also asked that the committee consisting of the prime minister, leader of opposition and chief justice of India meet within a week to discuss the issue of the CBI director. The Supreme Court observed that the government should have referred the matter to the committee before acting against Verma.
Verma had petitioned the Supreme Court days after the Modi government divested him and CBI special director Rakesh Asthana of all powers on October 23 last year and sent them on leave as the public spat between them was continuing.
The 'removal' of Alok Verma as CBI chief led to a political storm as opposition parties slammed the Modi government of undermining the investigation agency.
