It also means only partial relief for Alok Verma, who had challenged the government's October 23 order arguing that the CBI chief has a fixed two year term and can be removed only by the high-powered committee. "The legislative intent of insulating the CBI director is manifest," said the three judges who set aside the government's move unanimously. The appointment of M Nageswara Rao, joint director, as interim chief has also been set aside. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government had sent the two senior officers of the CBI on leave on the recommendation of the CVC (Central Vigilance Commission). "We welcome the Supreme Court's verdict lambasting the government against their illegal removal of Alok Verma as CBI Director," said the Congress, which alleges that Mr Verma was removed because he intended to launch a probe into the Rafale jet deal.

Source: bd News24 January 08, 2019 09:40 UTC