Congress leader Kharge moves SC against removal of CBI chief, calls it “illegal”

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday moved the Supreme Court against the Centre's decision of sending CBI director Alok Verma on leave, 10 days after he and his deputy were divested of all powers by the government in a midnight order. Kharge claimed that this removal was “illegal” and was in violation of the CBI Act.

“The act is, completely illegal, arbitrary, punitive, without jurisdiction”, Mallikarjun Kharge, who is the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, said.

In his petition, Kharge has mentioned that only the three-member committee of leader of opposition, prime minister and the Chief Justice of India can take a decision on the appointment or removal of the CBI director as per the act.

“The tenure and term of the CBI director is protected and even the process of transfer cannot be effected without the previous consent of the Committee,” he added.

He also said that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has no power to act against the CBI director.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suo moto action of sending CBI director Alok Verma on leave is illegal and is in violation of the CBI Act,” Kharge said, while confirming that he had moved a petition in the Supreme Court in this regard.

Party sources said the Congress had asked Kharge, who is a member of the committee, to file a petition in this regard.

Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana were divested of all charge on October 24 in a 2.30 am order as a culmination of the internal feud in the agency. Nageshwar Rao was appointed the interim chief.

Alok Verma challenged the government order within hours of being stripped of his powers as the CBI chief. However, the government claims that action was taken against him to help the CVC investigate bribery allegations against him without any hindrance.

With PTI inputs