CVC report mixed: SC on graft probe over Verma

CBI TUSSLE Some findings ‘complimentary’, some ‘very uncomplimentary’ NEW DELHI:

The CVC’s “exhaustive” preliminary report on allegations against CBI director Alok Verma concludes that some findings are “complimentary” and some “very uncomplimentary”, needing further investigation by the panel, the Supreme Court said on Friday.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi ordered that the confidential Central Vigilance Commission report be given to Verma in a sealed cover and asked him to respond to it by Monday, also in a sealed cover. It will take up the matter on Tuesday.

Verma would respond to the CVC report as soon as possible and would file his reply on November 19, his lawyer, Fali S Nariman, told the bench. “Once we will have your (Verma) response, we will take a decision,” the CJI said.

The top court was hearing Verma’s plea challenging the government’s order divesting him of his duties and sending him on leave in view of allegations of corruption against him.

The allegations were levelled by his deputy Asthana, against whom the CBI has filed an FIR on charges of graft. Asthana was also sent on leave by the Centre.

The bench also directed that the Central Vigilance Commission report be given to Attorney General KK Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is representing the CVC. However, it turned down Asthana’s request that he also be provided the report.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Asthana, argued vehemently for a copy of the report, saying his complaint against Verma to the cabinet secretary was referred to the CVC.

“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 CJI told Nariman.

The bench, also comprising Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph, directed Verma, the attorney general and the solicitor general to maintain confidentiality of the CVC report keeping in mind public confidence in CBI and sanctity of the institution.

The bench told senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for NGO Common Cause, which