The Supreme Court on Tuesday, 8 January, reinstated Alok Kumar Verma as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director, setting aside the Centre's October 2018 order that divested him of his powers.
The judgment was pronounced by a bench of Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph.
Here are the five key takeaways (paraphrased) from the apex court’s much-anticipated order:
What Happened on 23 October?
Earlier on 23 October, Verma was sent on a forced leave by the BJP-led central government following his run-in with the agency’s number two and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana.
Nageshwar Rao took over the reigns the same day.
Verma challenged the Centre’s decision on the grounds that his position as the CBI director is protected by legal safeguards (including a fixed two-year tenure) to ensure the autonomy of the investigating agency.
The SC delayed hearing the issue for over a month after the first hearing on 26 October, first asking the CVC to submit an inquiry report within two weeks in a sealed cover, and then asking Verma for his reply to the report.
The hearing resumed in December 2018, with the apex court raising the question whether Verma can be sent on leave before the end of term.
Verma – a 1979-batch IPS officer – was appointed as the chief of the CBI in 2017, and is set to retire on 31 January.
(With inputs from PTI and Bar & Bench)
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