CBI vs CBI: SC turns down Rakesh Asthana’s request for CVC report copy

On Friday, the Supreme Court of India has turned down CBI special director Rakesh Asthana’s demand to have a copy of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report against CBI director Alok Verma. Earlier, Asthana had lodged a complaint against Verma.

Notably, Rakesh Asthana’s trouble began when his counsel senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi demanded a copy of the classified CVC report in his capacity as complainant. Irked by the request, an annoyed bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi said: “We will give it to Attorney General, but Mr Rohatgi, your client won’t get it.” Though Rohatgi asserted that he too should be given a chance to respond as it was his complaint to the Cabinet Secretary that got forwarded to the CVC.

He also alleged that Alok Verma had taken a bribe of Rs two crore from a businessman for not questioning him in a case. Rohatgi further added that no national security interest would be compromised if the report was shared with him.

Enraged by Rohatgi’s submission, the bench in a harsh tone replied, “Under what authority did you complain to Cabinet Secretary.”

Wisedome prevailed and this made an otherwise vehement Rohatgi to quietly take his place. It is to be noted that the CJI-headed bench had appointed a retired SC judge AK Patnaik to monitor the CVC probe.

The retired judge AK Patnaik in a separate note to Court expressed his satisfaction about the inquiry.

Also read: Subramanian Swamy: Injustice done to CBI director Alok Verma