SC to continue hearing Alok Verma case post-lunch

New Delhi, Dec 6 : The Supreme Court (SC) will continue hearing the Alok Verma case post-lunch on Thursday.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph was hearing the submissions from many respondents and petitioners.

CJI said, the fight between the two senior-most officers of the CBI did not emerge overnight so why did government take immediate steps to divest the CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee.

CJI Ranjan Gogoi asked Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CVC, about the fixed tenure for Director CBI.

Mehta said, the fixed tenure of two years is for giving enough time for him to implement his plans and works.

CJI said, the fixed tenure is ensured for giving enough time to the Director CBI. The idea is to give them some permanence.

CJI asked SG Mehta on what is difficulty in consulting selection committee if CVC/government want to divest CBI director of his powers

The apex court said, it wasn't the transfer and did not need the consent of selection committee.

CJI asked the SG what is difficulty in consulting selection committee.

Solicitor-General Mehta told the Supreme Court that CVC had come to the conclusion that an extraordinary situation had arisen that CBI director Alok Verma could not continue. Extraordinary situation needs extraordinary remedy sometimes.