New Delhi, January 8: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday, while commenting on the Supreme Court verdict of reinstating Alok Verma as CBI Director, stated that central government’s decision ‘was taken completely bonafide’ and based on Central Vigilance Commission’s recommendations. He further added that the government would comply with apex court order.

Expressing his opinion on the judgment, Jaitley said, “The government had taken this action of sending two senior officers of the CBI on leave on the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission. This action was taken completely bonafide.” CBI vs CBI: Supreme Court Reinstates Alok Verma as CBI Director, Strikes Down Govt Order.

The minister said that Centre took the decision to send CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana on leave to protect the credibility of the central investigation agency. He said, “The court apparently has strengthened the immunity given to the CBI Director in the larger interest of fair and impartial functioning of CBI.”

Jaitley, however, stated that the apex court had devised an accountability mechanism and the government will comply and act in the same manner. He added that government holds ‘no view’ for or against an individual, pointing towards the October 23, 2018, action by the Union government to send two senior officers for indefinite leave.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court in its judgment had reinstated Alok Verma as CBI Director; however, he cannot take major policy decisions. The apex court set aside the CVC order which sent Verma and Asthana on leave. Announcing the verdict, the bench said that 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. It further added that the High Power Committee under the DSPE Act to act within a week to consider his case.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2019 01:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).