SC to give CVC probe report to CBI Director Alok Verma, next hearing on Nov 20

In a setback to CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, the top court has refused to give the inquiry report to him even as it has fixed the matter for further hearing on Tuesday, November 20.

Central Bureau of Investigation Chief Alok Verma. Photo: PTI

New Delhi:  The Supreme Court has asked benched CBI director Alok Verma to respond to the Central Vigilance Commission's inquiry report on allegations of corruption against him.  A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi in its hearing today that it will give CVC report to Alok Verma in a sealed cover and he can file his response by Monday and then court can take a decision. The court has directed the CVC to give its report to Attorney General and Solicitor General.  "CVC has filed an exhaustive report. The report has been categorised and is very complimentary on some charges, not so complimentary some charges and very uncomplimentary on some charges. CVC report says some charges are required to be investigated and they need time," the bench said. In a setback to CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, the top court has refused to give the inquiry report to him even as it has fixed the matter for further hearing on Tuesday, November 20.  The apex court said confidentiality of CVC report needed to protect public confidence in CBI and sanctity of institution.  Reports say the CVC has not given clean chit to Alok Verma in its preliminary inquiry report filed in the Supreme Court on November 12. Former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik undertook the supervision of the CVC probe against Verma which was completed on November 10.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. Asthana had also filed a separate petition in the matter in the Supreme Court seeking removal of Verma from the post of CBI Director. On November 4, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had moved the top court contending that divesting Verma of his statutory powers and functions is "completely illegal and arbitrary".